Dylan Larkin could give Martin St-Louis another top-six center, but a reported family concern may complicate Montreal's pursuit in the trade for the Red Wings center.
The Detroit Red Wings captain has been linked to the Montreal Canadiens, with speculation growing about whether he would consider leaving Detroit for a Canadian market.
According to Maxime Truman of DansLesCoulisses, Larkin's wife, Kenzy Larkin, may have reservations about relocating to Canada because of negative things she's reportedly heard.
Truman suggested those concerns could have come from Julie Petry, the wife of former Canadiens defenseman Jeff Petry. The women are reportedly friends and neighbors, although that connection doesn't establish what was discussed.
"Dylan Larkin's wife hasn't heard good things about Canada.
From whom? Chances are, it was from Julie Petry, Jeff Petry's wife.
The two women are friends and neighbors."
-Maxime Truman
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That distinction matters. There's no public confirmation that Julie Petry discouraged Kenzy Larkin from considering Montreal, and neither woman has publicly confirmed the reported conversations.
Still, the possibility introduces another complication for the Canadiens. A trade involving Larkin wouldn't simply depend on Detroit's demands or Montreal's willingness to make an offer.
Frank Seravalli has reported that Larkin's list of acceptable destinations excludes Canadian teams. Renaud Lavoie, meanwhile, has suggested that the Detroit captain doesn't necessarily oppose playing for Montreal.
Those conflicting reports leave the Canadiens facing uncertainty over whether Larkin would seriously entertain a move north of the border.
On the ice, his arrival would give St-Louis another established center behind Nick Suzuki and offer Montreal greater flexibility throughout its forward group.
The Canadiens also have Alex Newhook among their options down the middle, but Larkin would bring a different level of experience and offensive responsibility.
His contract carries an $8.7 million annual cap hit through the 2030-31 season, making any potential deal a major commitment for general manager Kent Hughes.
Larkin's family preferences deserve consideration in any decision involving a long-term relocation. A player's comfort away from the rink can matter just as much as his role inside the locker room.
For Montreal, the biggest question isn't simply whether Larkin would improve the lineup. It's whether the Canadiens could convince him and his family that moving to Montreal is the right choice.
Should the Montreal Canadiens pursue Dylan Larkin despite the reported family concerns?
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