Montreal Crowd Makes Its Pitch for Red Wings' Larkin
Montreal fans repeatedly chanted for Dylan Larkin during Saturday's home game against Detroit, signaling their interest in the Red Wings center. Larkin, who has requested a trade and was stripped of the captaincy, controls his future with a full no-movement clause and is signed through 2030-31 at an $8.7 million cap hit. He has played three games this season while speculation about a deal continues.
Montreal supporters made their interest audible at Bell Centre, chanting for Dylan Larkin during Saturday’s matchup with Detroit. The 30-year-old center has asked to leave the Red Wings and lost the captaincy, then sat out the beginning of the campaign before returning for three appearances, including that game.
Larkin is signed through 2030-31 at an $8.7 million cap hit and holds a full no-movement clause, so any trade requires his consent. Drafted 15th overall in 2014, he has 645 points (277 goals, 368 assists) in 810 regular-season games and won Olympic gold with the U.S. in 2026.
The chants could amplify fan influence in trade speculation, affecting how players, teams, and media frame Larkin’s future. Montreal supporters may feel more connected to a potential pursuit, while Detroit fans could face frustration or resignation. For players with no-movement clauses, such public pressure may shape perceptions of preferred destinations, though it cannot force a deal. The wider hockey community may see another example of athlete autonomy and fan emotion intersecting.