Report: Red Wings Scouting Canadiens, Still A Chance Larkin 'Changes His Mind'

Now that the Connor Hellebuyck deal is done, Dylan Larkin once again takes center stage as the next NHL star on the trade block (at his request). And while we heard this week that his expanded 10-team trade list still doesn't include the Montreal Canadiens, insider Pierre LeBrun says we shouldn't close the door on that just yet. 

On TSN's Insider Trading, LeBrun said there's still a chance that the former Red Wings captain reconsiders his 'No Canadian Teams' stance, at least as far as Montreal is concerned. And to that end, the Red Wings are actually scouting the Habs. 

Yes, there is (a chance) because maybe he’ll finally change his mind at some point. 

Listen, here’s what we can tell you. The Detroit Red Wings, themselves, are actively scouting the Canadiens of late, among other teams of course. But they’re doing their due diligence in person just in case Larkin adds Montreal to that list. Detroit is fully aware of the kind of packages that the Canadiens aggressively put in front of the Toronto Maple Leafs last year for Matthew Knies and in front of the Columbus Blue Jackets last month for Kirill Marchenko. 

The Red Wings are doing their homework there.

LeBrun also tells us that Larkin's agent, Pat Brisson, has started to put more pressure on the Wings to get something done. "They don’t want this to keep dragging on for a couple more months, wherever he ends up getting dealt." 

Montreal fans tried to sway Larkin; will he reconsider? 

We saw the incredible reaction from Montreal fans at the Bell Centre a couple of weeks back when Larkin and the Red Wings visited. Chants of 'We Want Larkin!' rang out during the game, and he definitely noticed, saying afterwards that it's the best hockey atmosphere in the league.

Right after the puck dropped in Montreal, Habs fans had a deafening "WE WANT LARKIN" chant going inside Bell Centre 😭🫣 https://t.co/Ld0Ig0THP2

— Gino Hard (@GinoHard_) October 10, 2026

Dylan Larkin on hearing "We want Larkin" chants at Bell Centre: "I never would have imagined that in this building and in my career. They're passionate fans. It's one of the best atmospheres in hockey. They're knowledgeable and they love their team. That's how I read into it."

— Helene St. James (@HeleneStJames) October 11, 2026

There are many in Montreal still holding out hope that Habs fans will ultimately help sway Larkin to accept the up-and-coming sensational young team as a landing spot.