If Dylan Larkin ever decides to widen his options, the Montreal Canadiens are already on the radar in Detroit.
TSN’s Pierre LeBrun reported that the Red Wings have been actively scouting the Canadiens, and Detroit Director of Professional Scouting Kris Draper is at tonight’s game between Montreal and the Chicago Blackhawks. The idea, at least for now, is simple: be ready if Larkin changes his mind.
That remains a big if. Larkin has not moved off his stance in the Canadian market. He initially named the Florida Panthers, Minnesota Wild and Vegas Golden Knights, then expanded the list to include the Carolina Hurricanes, Colorado Avalanche, Dallas Stars, New Jersey Devils, Tampa Bay Lightning, Utah Mammoth and Washington Capitals.
The hurdle is obvious. Every team on that list is tight to the cap and would need a money-in, money-out deal to make anything work. Still, Larkin got a warm reception in Detroit’s first game in Montreal this season, and if the Canadiens end up on his list, a deal is expected to come together quickly.
Detroit’s night-to-night concerns also got bigger last night in Vancouver. Starting goalie John Gibson left the Red Wings’ game against the Canucks with an upper-body injury, and because Detroit is in the middle of a Pacific Division road trip, there may not be much clarity for a few days.
Gibson’s exit opened the door for Michal Postava to make his NHL debut. He stopped seven of eight shots in relief.
In Florida, the Panthers had their own injury scare in last night’s game against the Pittsburgh Penguins. Defenseman Gustav Forsling left early after taking a puck to the face, according to team reporter Jameson Olive. The Panthers don’t play again until Sunday, so more should be known after practice tomorrow.
Buffalo is also waiting on an update. Bill Hoppe of Buffalo Hockey reported that Sabres forward Jiri Kulich is questionable for the road trip after getting injured in practice.
Hoppe said Kulich took a puck to the face during a power-play drill. Kulich has one goal and three points in eight games this season.
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