NHL insider Elliotte Friedman revealed on *The NHL on TNT* that the situation surrounding Detroit Red Wings star Dylan Larkin is “percolating” as the team actively shops for young centres. Although Montreal Canadiens general manager Kent Hughes has shown persistent interest in the veteran playmaker, the transaction faces significant hurdles. Larkin’s publicly known 10-team trade list excludes the Habs, creating an immediate conflict of interest that complicates any potential negotiation before the 2026-27 regular season begins.
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The primary obstacle remains financial, with sources indicating that Detroit’s asking price for Larkin is prohibitive for Montreal’s current cap structure. While the Canadiens are willing to explore the market, they are not prepared to overpay for a player who may not be on their preferred target list. This stalemate leaves all three parties—Detroit, Montreal, and Larkin—stuck in a waiting game, with the Red Wings continuing to call teams to gauge interest in their top-six centreman and prospect Simon Edvinsson.
For the trade to materialize, Larkin would need to be swayed to waive his trade restrictions, a move that is unlikely without a compelling offer from a team on his approved list. Until Montreal can bridge the gap between their budget and Detroit’s valuation, the speculation will remain just that: rumours. Fans of both franchises should expect the status quo to persist, with no immediate movement expected in the upcoming transfer window.
Source: Yahoo Sports
