Report: Canadiens Rejected By Dylan Larkin In Trade Pursuit
Nick Kypreos revealed the failed pursuit in his first trade board of the season for Sportsnet, explaining that Montreal has since pivoted its attention toward Winnipeg Jets center Mark Scheifele instead.
"The Canadiens are among the teams asking about Scheifele after failing on Larkin," Kypreos wrote. "They have their eye on him as the perfect 1-2 punch to support top line centre Nick Suzuki."
Larkin Never Said Yes
Multiple outlets have since reported the specific reason the pursuit fell apart. It's out there that Larkin "has no desire to play for a Canadian team," a detail that lines up with the Detroit Red Wings captain's original trade list, which was limited to American destinations when his request first became public.
Nick Kypreos: Montreal took a crack at convincing Dylan Larkin to come and help Nick Suzuki, but Larkin still has no interest in coming to Canada - Sportsnet (9/24)
— NHL Rumour Report (@NHLRumourReport) September 29, 2026
Elliotte Friedman reported last week that Larkin's list of acceptable teams has expanded from the original three to roughly eight, and David Pagnotta has since reported Montreal remains among the clubs continuing to check in on his situation.
Nothing here suggests Larkin has reversed course on Montreal specifically, and the Canadiens have clearly moved their attention elsewhere in the meantime.
Scheifele Comes With His Own History In Montreal
Scheifele is remembered in Montreal for a hit on Jake Evans during the 2021 playoffs that drew a suspension, and he watched from the press box as the Habs swept Winnipeg in that series.
On the ice, the fit makes sense regardless. Scheifele posted a career-high 103 points, 36 goals and 67 assists, in 82 games last season, and he's signed through 2030-31 at an $8.5 million cap hit, meaning any deal would be a long-term addition rather than a rental.
Kypreos outlined a potential package that could include prospects Michael Hage and Oliver Kapanen, forward Kirby Dach, and goaltender Sam Montembeault, though acquiring a player of Scheifele's caliber would still require Montreal to give up substantial value.
Winnipeg's own situation adds a wrinkle to the timing. The Jets' crease has become unsettled with Connor Hellebuyck's trade request still unresolved, and Kypreos noted a Montembeault-for-Scheifele framework could hold added appeal for Winnipeg if it ends up moving Hellebuyck and needs an experienced goaltender to pair with Stuart Skinner.
