Unpacking the Latest Dylan Larkin to the Canadiens Trade Rumours – The Hockey Writers – Montreal Canadiens

The Montreal Canadiens have been connected to plenty of big names over the last couple of years, and one of them is starting to make his way back into the rumour mill. Dylan Larkin‘s future with the Detroit Red Wings has been uncertain since the end of the 2025-26 season. While the Canadiens were not initially among the teams he was reportedly willing to join, Montreal continues to make sense as a potential destination on paper.

There are significant obstacles standing in the way of a deal, but considering the Canadiens’ need down the middle, their available cap space and Larkin’s contract, it is easy to understand why the possibility continues to generate discussion.

Larkin’s Trade Request

Shortly after the conclusion of the 2025-26 season, reports emerged that Larkin had requested a trade out of Detroit. That immediately made him one of the biggest names potentially available on the trade market. However, there was one significant complication for teams interested in acquiring him: Larkin controls where he goes.

The Red Wings captain reportedly started by giving Detroit three destinations he would accept a trade to: the Vegas Golden Knights, Minnesota Wild and Florida Panthers. The Dallas Stars were later added to that list, giving the Red Wings another potential option if they decided to seriously explore a move.

Montreal was noticeably absent. That has not completely stopped the Canadiens from being mentioned around Larkin, especially with Montreal continuing to search for ways to improve an already talented young roster. For now, though, any connection between the Canadiens and Larkin has to start with the understanding that he would need to approve the move.

Larkin Would Be a Great Fit in Montreal

Take the no-trade clause out of the equation for a moment, and there is a lot to like about Larkin’s fit with the Canadiens.

Montreal has Nick Suzuki established as its first-line centre, but adding another high-end option behind him would give the organization one of the strongest one-two punches down the middle in the Eastern Conference.

Larkin could also be an ideal centre to play alongside Ivan Demidov. The Canadiens do not necessarily need to make a blockbuster move right now. Their young core is still improving, and there is no reason for management to rush the process. However, there is a difference between needing a player and having an opportunity to acquire someone who could immediately move the team closer to Stanley Cup contention.

There is also the financial side of the equation. The Canadiens currently have roughly $9.7 million in available cap space, meaning they could absorb Larkin’s $8.7 million cap hit without Detroit having to retain salary.

More importantly, his contract should remain attractive if he continues producing at a high level. Larkin is locked up through the 2030-31 season at an $8.7 million average annual value. With the salary cap continuing to rise and star players signing increasingly expensive contracts, that number could become even more valuable over time.

Could a Larkin Trade Actually Happen?

This is where things get complicated. First and foremost, Larkin has a full no-trade clause. Detroit cannot simply negotiate the best possible return and send him wherever it wants. Larkin ultimately controls his destination, and unless Montreal is added to his list of acceptable teams, there is no trade to discuss.

That alone makes the Canadiens a long shot. Then there is the acquisition cost. Even after requesting a trade, Larkin remains one of Detroit’s most valuable players. The Red Wings would have little reason to move their captain for a discounted return, especially with multiple desirable destinations potentially interested. Detroit would likely like an establish player in the return as their young core has been knocking on the door for a couple of years already

For Montreal, that could mean giving up a premium prospect, a first-round pick and another established player. Depending on Detroit’s asking price, the conversation could quickly reach a point where Kent Hughes decides the upgrade is not worth sacrificing a significant portion of the Canadiens’ future.

That is the balance Montreal has to maintain. Larkin would make the Canadiens better immediately. A Suzuki-Larkin combination down the middle, with players like Demidov, Cole Caufield and Juraj Slafkovsky around them, would give Montreal the type of offensive core capable of competing with almost anyone. But the Canadiens have reached this position by remaining patient and protecting their young assets. They should not abandon that philosophy simply because a star becomes available.

The renewed Larkin rumours are certainly worth watching. Montreal has the cap space, the assets and the roster for a move of this magnitude to make sense. The biggest question, however, remains the one the Canadiens cannot control: Would Larkin actually be willing to come to Montreal?