Canadiens Fans Send a Message to Dylan Larkin
The Montreal Canadiens faithful made their feelings clear at the Bell Centre.
During the matchup against the Detroit Red Wings, fans repeatedly chanted, “We want Larkin!” The unusual scene created an unforgettable atmosphere and put Detroit’s captain in the spotlight.
It was a remarkable moment. Instead of limiting their attention to the game, Canadiens fans made it clear that they would love to see Larkin wearing a Montreal jersey.
For a player who has spent his entire NHL career with Detroit, hearing thousands of opposing fans openly calling for him to join their team was an experience he had never anticipated.
And Larkin had something to say about it after the game.
Dylan Larkin Reacts to the Canadiens Fans
Following the game, Larkin spoke with reporters about the chants and the atmosphere inside the Bell Centre.
The Detroit captain admitted that he had never imagined experiencing something like that during his career.
“It was interesting, I never would have imagined that in this arena during my career. But they are passionate fans. In my opinion, it’s the best atmosphere in the NHL. They know their hockey and they love their team. After a few seconds, I was back to focusing on the game.”
Larkin’s comments offered a glimpse into how he experienced the moment. He acknowledged Montreal’s passionate supporters while explaining that he quickly returned his attention to the game.
But reporters wanted to know whether he interpreted the chants as a compliment or as an indication that Canadiens fans believed he could fill an important need for their team.
His response was measured.
“It’s still too recent. I was focused on my game, so I haven’t had time to interpret it.”
Larkin did not speculate about what the chants meant. Nevertheless, the moment demonstrated how strongly Montreal supporters would welcome him.
For the Canadiens, the interest is understandable. An established center such as Larkin could be an attractive addition to their forward group.
But would the Detroit captain ever consider making Montreal his next destination?
Would Dylan Larkin Consider Playing in Montreal?
That is the question Canadiens fans would love to have answered.
Larkin’s future has become a subject of speculation amid reports concerning his trade preferences and Detroit’s direction.
According to the reports described in the original story, Larkin initially identified Florida, Minnesota, and Vegas as acceptable destinations for a potential trade. He reportedly expanded that list to include several additional teams, although no Canadian destination was included in the reported group.
That presents a significant obstacle for Montreal.
Larkin signed an eight-year contract with Detroit in 2023 that includes a full no-trade clause. Consequently, the Canadiens could not simply negotiate an agreement with the Red Wings and assume the deal would be completed.
Larkin would have to approve a trade to Montreal.
When reporters asked him about the possibility of a move to Canada, he declined to discuss his preferences.
“I’m not going to answer that question. I play for the Red Wings, and we just played the Canadiens.”
It was a diplomatic response. Larkin made no commitment to Montreal, but he also avoided discussing the trade speculation in detail.
His positive comments about the Bell Centre should not be interpreted as evidence that he wants to join the Canadiens. Appreciating the atmosphere in Montreal and agreeing to play there are two different things.
Still, the chants created a memorable moment that inevitably raises questions about what the future might hold.
Could the Canadiens and Red Wings Discuss a Trade?
Despite the distraction, the situation naturally raises questions about whether Montreal could explore the possibility of acquiring Larkin.
Detroit’s interim general manager, Shawn Horcoff, was present at the Bell Centre. That creates an opportunity to wonder whether he and Canadiens general manager Kent Hughes might discuss their respective teams’ needs.
However, there is no confirmation that the two executives discussed a Larkin trade.
The larger challenge remains the player’s reported trade preferences and the assets Detroit would demand in return.
Montreal would need to put together an attractive package without compromising too much of its future.
One prospect who could interest Detroit is Michael Hage, who plays for the University of Michigan Wolverines. His connection to Michigan could make him an appealing target, although that does not establish that Detroit has specifically requested him.
Personally, I would be reluctant to include Hage in a trade.
If Montreal wants to explore this opportunity, I would rather begin with other players, prospects, and draft picks.
That brings us to the next question.
WHAT WOULD IT ACTUALLY COST THE CANADIENS TO ACQUIRE DYLAN LARKIN?
TRADE PROPOSAL #1:
Montreal Canadiens receive
- Dylan Larkin
Detroit Red Wings receive
- Alex Newhook
- Alexander Zharovsky
- Montreal’s 2027 first-round pick
This proposal would give Detroit an established NHL forward, a promising prospect, and a first-round selection.
Newhook could contribute immediately, while Zharovsky would provide another young asset for the Red Wings to develop.
For Montreal, the objective would be to acquire an established center without surrendering Michael Hage.
Of course, Detroit might demand a more substantial return, depending on its assessment of Larkin’s value and the level of interest from other teams.
What if Detroit demands another player?
Montreal could explore adding Jake Evans, Kirby Dach, or defensive prospect Adam Engström.
However, I would not automatically include another player while keeping the first-round pick in the package.
Instead, I would explore restructuring the offer, potentially replacing the first-round selection with a second-round pick if another player were included.
Whether Detroit would accept that arrangement is uncertain.
The important point is that Kent Hughes should establish a limit on the assets Montreal is willing to surrender.
TRADE PROPOSAL #2: A Three-Team Deal Involving Seattle
Could the Canadiens get creative and involve another organization?
A three-team trade involving the Seattle Kraken could offer an alternative structure, allowing Detroit to receive an established NHL forward while Montreal’s assets go to Seattle.
Montreal Canadiens receive
- Dylan Larkin
Detroit Red Wings receive
- Jared McCann from Seattle
Seattle Kraken receive
- Montreal’s 2027 first-round pick
- Montreal’s 2027 second-round pick
- Jake Evans
- Alexander Zharovsky
Why would this work?
Montreal: The Canadiens acquire Larkin without including Michael Hage in the package.
Detroit: The Red Wings receive Jared McCann, an established NHL forward who could contribute to their lineup.
Seattle: The Kraken receive two draft picks, an NHL center in Evans, and a promising prospect in Zharovsky.
The appeal is that each organization would receive a different type of asset.
However, this proposal would be complicated. Seattle would need to be willing to part with McCann, and Detroit would need to prefer that return to other available options.
Montreal would also be surrendering significant assets, including its first-round pick, so this would not be a cheap alternative.
This is a hypothetical proposal, not a report of negotiations between the three organizations.
The Canadiens Have a Decision to Make
The chants at the Bell Centre demonstrated how much Canadiens fans would welcome Dylan Larkin in Montreal. However, turning that enthusiasm into a potential trade would be considerably more complicated.
Kent Hughes would have to negotiate an acceptable return with Detroit while determining whether Larkin would be willing to join the Canadiens. The Red Wings’ asking price, the player’s trade preferences, and Montreal’s commitment to its young core would all shape the possibilities.
A direct trade built around Alex Newhook, Alexander Zharovsky, and a first-round pick would give Detroit a combination of immediate help and future assets. A three-team arrangement involving Seattle could offer another avenue, although convincing all three organizations to agree would be a significant challenge.
Neither proposal guarantees a deal, and Montreal must be careful not to sacrifice too much of its future for one player.
The Bell Centre crowd has made its wish clear. Whether the Canadiens can turn that enthusiasm into a realistic trade opportunity is another question entirely.
More from HABSHQ: see tonight’s Canadiens lineup, the latest injury report, the schedule and the head-to-head records. For official league numbers, check the NHL standings and the Canadiens page on NHL.com.
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