The Montreal Canadiens took a major step forward this season, turning years of rebuilding into meaningful progress and raising expectations across the organization. But as their playoff journey unfolded, one roster issue became difficult to ignore: the lack of proven depth behind captain Nick Suzuki at center.
Now, with a star player suddenly at the center of NHL trade speculation, Montreal has emerged as a team that could make one of the boldest moves of the offseason. This possibility fueled growing discussion about whether the Canadiens should go all in to address a critical need.
Bryan Hayes Wants Canadiens To Go All-In on Dylan Larkin Trade
If Dylan Larkin truly reaches the trade market, NHL insider Bryan Hayes believes Montreal should be among the first teams calling Detroit.
Speaking with Jay Onrait on Jay On SC, Hayes identified the Canadiens as one of the most logical landing spots for the Red Wings captain. His reasoning centered on Montreal’s need for another high-end center who can support the team as a second-line center behind Suzuki and strengthen the roster.
“I think Montreal makes a lot of sense,” Hayes said. He pointed to Larkin’s ability to play a complete 200-foot game and argued that pairing him with Suzuki would give the Canadiens a strong one-two combination down the middle.
“They [Montreal] need a second-line center,” Hayes said. “And I think that’s what Dylan Larkin is on a great team, right? I think Nick Suzuki carries a lot of the weight. Dylan Larkin is a 200-foot player who can play in any situation, a lot like Suzuki, right?
“Suzuki is, I think, a rich man’s right-shot Dylan Larkin, if that makes sense. If you can follow along with that, I think he and Larkin are actually very similar. And I think Montreal would have the pieces.”
The fit becomes even more intriguing when considering where both franchises currently stand. Montreal is trying to take the next step from playoff participant to legitimate contender, while Detroit faces growing uncertainty after another disappointing finish.
The Red Wings finished the 2025-26 season with a 41-31-10 record and 92 points. Despite sitting atop the Eastern Conference in late January, they collapsed after the Olympic break and missed the playoffs for a 10th straight season. The downturn fueled speculation about the organization’s direction and eventually led to reports that Larkin has requested a trade.
For Montreal, acquiring a player of Larkin’s caliber would address a need that became apparent during its postseason run. The 29-year-old remains one of the league’s most dependable centers and produced 34 goals and 67 points in 74 games this season while continuing to handle major defensive responsibilities.
The challenge, however, extends beyond identifying a fit. Hayes questioned whether Detroit general manager Steve Yzerman would even entertain moving his captain, particularly to a divisional rival. He noted Yzerman’s history of taking a firm stance during difficult negotiations and suggested the Red Wings executive will not rush into a decision.
Other league observers have also weighed in on possible destinations.
NHL insider David Pagnotta floated the possibility of the Vegas Golden Knights, noting Larkin’s friendship with Jack Eichel and wondering whether Vegas could find a way to make such a move work.
Meanwhile, ESPN’s Greg Wyshynski highlighted a striking statistic that captures why Larkin’s future has become such a talking point. Wyshynski noted that Larkin has played more games in the Winter Olympics (6) than in the Stanley Cup Playoffs (5) during his 11 NHL seasons.
This reality may explain why contenders are monitoring the situation closely. For Montreal, the appeal is obvious.
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A roster featuring Suzuki and Larkin at the center position would immediately strengthen one of the roster’s few remaining weaknesses and could accelerate the Canadiens’ climb in a packed Eastern Conference.
