Dylan Larkin's future suddenly became the story around Todd McLellan's Red Wings on Tuesday night.
A trade report involving the Detroit captain surfaced in the middle of the evening's NHL action, shifting attention toward Montreal and a situation that suddenly looks far more serious.
The report relayed a striking comment from an NHL front-office executive: Larkin could end the current stalemate quickly by adding the Canadiens to his list of acceptable destinations.
That detail changes the temperature. It suggests Montreal's interest may not be the biggest obstacle right now. The bigger issue could be whether Larkin is willing to open the door.
Nothing in the report says a trade is agreed upon or even close. But when a front-office voice describes the situation as a stalemate, it indicates there are moving parts beyond ordinary speculation.
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Larkin carries an $8,700,000 cap hit through the 2030-31 season, meaning any move involving Montreal would reshape the Canadiens' salary structure for years, not months.
And the timing was impossible to ignore. The report dropped mid-game Tuesday night, turning a routine October evening into another round of questions about one of Detroit's biggest names.
Montreal now sits at the center of the Larkin saga
Larkin has recorded 643 points across 808 regular-season games. He isn't a depth target or short-term rental. He would immediately become one of the most established centers on Montreal's roster.
That makes the player-control element so important. Detroit and Montreal can discuss value, salary and roster pieces, but those conversations only matter if Larkin is prepared to consider the Canadiens.
For Martin St-Louis, such a move would dramatically alter his top six and give Montreal another proven option down the middle. Kent Hughes would also be committing major cap space to a player signed deep into the decade.
Detroit's position is just as delicate. Steve Yzerman would be dealing with a captain under long-term contract, which gives the Red Wings little reason to rush into a return they don't love.
The report also arrives with Larkin listed on injured reserve because of an upper-body issue, adding another layer to an already complicated situation. Marqueur.com
One decision from Larkin could change everything. Until Montreal appears on his approved list, the Canadiens may be watching a blockbuster possibility from the outside.
Should the Canadiens push hard to trade for Dylan Larkin?
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