Ever since Dylan Larkin stunned the hockey world by reportedly requesting a trade from the Detroit Red Wings, the rumor mill has been running nonstop. Early chatter quickly pointed to the Montreal Canadiens as a potential landing spot.
Montreal is coming off a strong season under Martin St. Louis, falling just short of the Stanley Cup Final after an inspiring run to the Eastern Conference Final. General manager Kent Hughes is actively searching for a high-end, long-term second-line center to complement Nick Suzuki, and on paper, Larkin looks like a perfect fit in terms of both style and leadership.
But hopes of seeing the Red Wings captain in Montreal now appear to have taken a serious hit.
Montreal Canadiens Left Out of Dylan Larkin Sweepstakes
Larkin isn’t just a star on the trade market; he controls the situation entirely. He’s entering the fourth year of his 8-year deal ($8.7M AAV) and holds a full no-move clause. In simple terms, he decides where this goes, not Detroit GM Steve Yzerman.
There was at least some speculation that his personal ties to Canada might open the door. Born and raised in Michigan, Larkin has strong family connections north of the border; his father, Kevin, is from Scarborough, Ontario, and he still has family near Toronto. He also holds dual citizenship and spends time in Canada during the summers.
But according to NHL insider Chris Johnston, a Canadian destination doesn’t seem to be a priority right now. “I don’t think that’s his focus right now. At least my understanding is I haven’t heard that, but, you know, I don’t want to frame this as an anti-Canada thing.
“I think it’s just the markets and places that he would think make the most sense are based in the U.S,” Johnston reported.
He suggested the focus is more about fit, competitiveness, and lifestyle choices in U.S.-based markets, rather than any connection to Canada specifically.
Johnston also pointed out a number of potential suitors if things escalate; teams like the New Jersey Devils, the Boston Bruins, the Carolina Hurricanes, and even the Los Angeles Kings could all be in the mix, depending on how the situation develops.
“You get to Montreal, or even seeing people talk about Toronto. I mean, Dylan has spent a lot of time in Canada. It’s not a stance against the country. It’s just, you know, he’s dictating where’s the next place he wants to live and raise his family and try to chase a Stanley Cup,” Johnston added.
In his view, Larkin is likely to prioritize a contender where he can consistently compete for the Stanley Cup over geography or sentiment. And even if he were open to Canada, Montreal may already be shifting its attention elsewhere.
According to Pierre LeBrun of The Athletic, the Canadiens are increasingly intrigued by a different elite center option: Nico Hischier, signaling that their long-term plan at center might be heading in another direction entirely.
ALSO READ: ‘There’s No Chance’: Noise Grows Around $65,000,000 Oilers Trade Target’s Future
What once looked like a blockbuster fit between Larkin and Montreal has cooled into a reminder of how unpredictable and tightly controlled franchise-player trades really are.
