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The Detroit Red Wings are intensifying their evaluation of the Montreal Canadiens, and assistant general manager Kris Draper's repeated presence at Canadiens games is adding fuel to the Dylan Larkin trade speculation. Draper was reportedly spotted scouting Montreal for the second time in four days, according to an October 24 report, further complicating the ongoing narrative surrounding Detroit's former captain.
Montreal remains absent from Larkin's list of approved trade destinations, presenting a major obstacle to any deal. Nevertheless, Detroit's continued scouting activity indicates the organization is preparing for all possibilities.
Draper's Scouting Trail
Draper attended Friday night's game between the Canadiens and Chicago Blackhawks at the United Center, just three days after he was seen in the press box for Montreal's October 20 matchup against the San Jose Sharks at the Bell Centre. This sequence is particularly noteworthy given the current circumstances surrounding the Red Wings, who are evaluating potential returns for Larkin while also dealing with the unresolved contract situation of defenseman Simon Edvinsson.
Draper isn't the only Detroit executive monitoring Montreal. Red Wings professional scout Chris Yzerman has also been present at Canadiens games, providing the organization with multiple opportunities to assess potential trade assets. While attending NHL games is a routine part of front-office duties, the frequency of these visits has drawn attention, especially in light of recent revelations from a prominent NHL insider.
Insider Confirmation
The significance of Detroit's scouting efforts was underscored when Pierre LeBrun addressed the Larkin situation on Thursday's edition of Insider Trading. LeBrun reported that the Red Wings are actively evaluating Montreal's roster in case Larkin eventually agrees to consider the Canadiens.
"Detroit is actively scouting the Montreal Canadiens of late, among other teams of course, but doing their due diligence on the Canadiens in person just in case Dylan Larkin does add Montreal to that list," LeBrun explained. This confirmation through reporting distinguishes Detroit's scouting activity from mere fan speculation, though there has been no indication that Larkin has changed his stance or that a deal is imminent.
Montreal has been frequently mentioned as a potential destination due to its young talent and prospects that could interest Detroit. For interim general manager Shawn Horcoff, understanding the value of those players would be crucial if Montreal eventually becomes an approved trading partner.
The No-Movement Clause Hurdle
The primary obstacle remains Larkin's full no-movement clause, which prevents Detroit from trading him to Montreal without his consent. Earlier this month, Larkin expanded his list of acceptable destinations from three teams to 10, all based in the United States. Montreal remains on the outside despite considerable speculation about the Canadiens' interest.
This matters because Montreal could theoretically offer the most attractive return and still be unable to complete a trade. Unless Larkin alters his position, the Red Wings must continue exploring other approved destinations. There is also the possibility that Larkin's stance could evolve as the season progresses, given Montreal's strong young core and need for an established center, but any such decision rests entirely with Larkin.
What Montreal Could Offer
From Detroit's perspective, the Canadiens represent an intriguing trade partner due to their collection of young players and prospects. One name that has surfaced in discussions is Michael Hage, Montreal's 2024 first-round pick currently playing at the University of Michigan. Hage has been identified as a prospect who could interest the Red Wings in a potential Larkin deal, given his offensive skill, center experience, and long-term upside.
The Red Wings have reportedly been exploring the market for young centers, including highly regarded prospects who have not yet established themselves in the NHL. This approach would allow Detroit to acquire a potential future building block rather than focusing solely on established veterans. However, trading Larkin for prospects would create an immediate problem: Detroit would be surrendering its most established center without necessarily acquiring someone capable of replacing his production this season. That is why Horcoff must carefully evaluate any potential offer before proceeding.
Suzuki Injury Adds Another Layer
Montreal's situation has become more complicated following an upper-body injury to captain Nick Suzuki. The Canadiens' top center is expected to miss approximately two to four weeks, creating an immediate challenge for a team trying to remain competitive in the Eastern Conference. Larkin would provide Montreal with an established offensive center capable of playing significant minutes in all situations, and his arrival could strengthen the Canadiens' depth once Suzuki returns. However, there is no indication that the injury has changed Larkin's willingness to play in Montreal.
For Detroit, the more important issue remains the potential return rather than Montreal's immediate injury concerns. If the Canadiens eventually become an option, Horcoff would need to determine whether their prospects and established players offer greater value than packages available from teams already on Larkin's approved list.
Preparing for All Scenarios
Draper's latest scouting appearance does not mean a Larkin trade is imminent, but it adds another concrete detail to a situation that has generated considerable attention. Detroit's front office appears determined to evaluate its options thoroughly rather than limit its preparation to teams currently on Larkin's approved list. That preparation could become valuable if Montreal eventually enters the picture.
With Larkin carrying an $8.7 million annual salary-cap hit through the 2030-31 season, any potential deal would require careful consideration of both the return package and the acquiring team's financial commitments. For now, the Red Wings have not publicly announced an agreement involving Larkin, and Montreal remains outside his reported list of acceptable destinations. Nevertheless, Draper's second Canadiens scouting appearance in the same week gives Detroit fans another development worth watching as the organization continues searching for a resolution.
Originally reported by yahoo.