Montreal Poised for Larkin Deal, But Player Declines
According to Daily Faceoff’s David Pagnotta, the Canadiens are prepared to acquire Dylan Larkin if he agrees to join Montreal. Larkin and his family have continued to decline a move to the Canadiens, and his cap hit complicates potential trades with other teams. Detroit interim GM Shawn Horcoff described the situation as status quo.
Larkin requested a move from Detroit in June. His approved destinations began with Vegas, Florida and Minnesota, then reportedly widened to eight or nine clubs. His $8.7 million cap charge remains a major obstacle, since several preferred teams—Washington, Colorado and Minnesota among them—lack room. Montreal is prepared to act if Larkin and his family approve.
Detroit interim GM Shawn Horcoff said Wednesday there was no change, declining details out of respect for Larkin. The Red Wings also extended Alex DeBrincat for seven years and won’t move Simon Edvinsson. Larkin, stripped of captaincy, missed two games with a back injury and has two points in four; Detroit is 1-3-2.
If Larkin remains in Detroit, Red Wings fans may face another season of uncertainty, while Canadiens supporters could keep hoping for a major acquisition. A completed trade might shift competitive balance and spark discussion among hockey communities, but the family’s reported reluctance highlights player autonomy and the human side of roster moves. For now, the standoff mainly affects those two fan bases, Larkin’s camp, and front offices navigating cap constraints.