Report: Canadiens Tell Red Wings They're Serious About Dylan Larkin
According to David Pagnotta, the Canadiens have told Detroit they'd be serious about a deal.
Pagnotta shared the update on TheMugNHL Show. "I think they're in the wait-and-see mode," Pagnotta said.
"I think they've made clear to Detroit that if he's willing to go to Montreal, that they'd be serious about it."
The catch is that Montreal isn't on Larkin's approved list. His contract includes a no-trade clause, so he decides where he goes.
He initially told the Red Wings he'd accept a move only to Florida, Minnesota, or Vegas.
Montreal Is Waiting On Larkin
Pagnotta reported September 27 that Montreal is one of six clubs that have checked in on Larkin since June.
The others are Los Angeles, Philadelphia, Boston, Carolina, and San Jose. None of them has gotten a deal done, but Montreal has shown it's willing to chase a star.
Dylan Larkin got BOO'D during the Wings home opener intros 😳 https://t.co/x58up8q11S
— B/R Open Ice (@BR_OpenIce) October 2, 2026
The Canadiens pushed hardest for Kirill Marchenko before Toronto won that bidding, and insider Pierre LeBrun said afterward the Canadiens "will still be big-game hunting."
Larkin has 643 career points, 276 goals and 367 assists, all with Detroit. His cap hit is $8.7 million, the biggest on the Red Wings' roster.
Detroit's Situation Keeps Getting Louder
Larkin asked for a trade in June, lost the captaincy, and reported to training camp anyway.
He then got hurt working out, and Detroit placed him on non-roster injured reserve, retroactive to August 15, hours before the season opener.
Red Wings fans booed him loudly during introductions Friday, with many holding signs calling for a trade, and Detroit ultimately losing the game 2-0 to the Rangers.
The Red Wings have missed the playoffs 10 straight years.
David Pagnotta: Re Dylan Larkin trade list: He's sitting around 10 teams as far as I know now, about 8 to 10, I think it's 10 - Hello Hockey (10/3)
— NHL Rumour Report (@NHLRumourReport) October 5, 2026
Coach Todd McLellan is hoping Larkin is ready for Tuesday's game against Ottawa. "I'm hoping Game 3," he said.
If his list of acceptable teams grows, Montreal has told Detroit it's ready, but for now, the Canadiens are still off the list.
