Dylan Larkin’s name keeps surfacing in Montreal, and the fit is hard to ignore. Elliotte Friedman said on the latest 32 Thoughts podcast that a lot of the reporting around the league points to people trying to sell Larkin on the Canadiens as the right landing spot. Nothing is imminent, but the idea is clearly out there, especially with Montreal looking to keep climbing and Larkin off to a strong start in Detroit.
That buzz sits in the background while the Red Wings captain continues to produce, which only makes him more interesting if other teams decide to push. For now, though, this is more about a compelling possibility than any real sign that a deal is close.
Another name drawing attention is Alex Ovechkin, whose decision to retire after the 2026-27 season may have been shaped in part by what’s happening around him in Washington. Friedman suggested Ovechkin saw the direction things were heading and understood that his role would not stay the same. The Capitals will be stronger with the additions of Alex Tuch and Jordan Kyrou, but those moves also point toward a deeper roster and a future in which Ovechkin’s place naturally shrinks.
Friedman stressed that this is not about Washington showing Ovechkin a lack of respect. It’s about the reality of a team building forward, even if that means the captain’s role changes with it.
The Edmonton Oilers are still hunting for help at right-shot center, and Boston Bruins forward Matthew Poitras has been on their radar. Reports indicate Edmonton took a serious look at Poitras before landing Filip Hallander in a trade. Boston was believed to be seeking a draft pick in any Poitras deal, and Edmonton may not have been willing to meet that ask.
That doesn’t necessarily close the door. The Oilers have kept tabs on Poitras, and Mike Babcock’s apparent support for the young forward could be part of why Edmonton continues to watch the situation closely. Whether they circle back is still an open question.
There is also uncertainty surrounding Alexander Nikishin and the Carolina Hurricanes. Friedman wondered if the defenseman might eventually have to “wave the white flag” and return. Unless a trade comes together, Friedman believes Nikishin may ultimately have no choice but to report.
Vladimir Tarasenko’s free-agent market, meanwhile, looks thinner by the day. Friedman said Tarasenko would like to go back to the Florida Panthers and there is some interest there, but the cap situation in Florida remains a major hurdle.
Pierre LeBrun reported on TSN’s Early Trading that the Panthers had previously offered Tarasenko no more than $850,000, a number he turned down. Tarasenko’s 23 goals last season are the most of any remaining unrestricted free agent, but he may need to lower his price to land somewhere.
And then there’s Connor Hellebuyck, who could still become part of a trade conversation if Winnipeg decides to move him. Buffalo, Utah and Carolina have already been viewed as the leading possibilities, but David Pagnotta floated the Los Angeles Kings as a surprise team to watch.
The concern there centers on whether Darcy Kuemper can handle a full season, which could push Los Angeles into the market. If that happens, Hellebuyck might be willing to consider it if the list of realistic options keeps shrinking.
In Other News...
Canadiens Fans Have Every Reason To Question This Connor Zary Decision
The Canadiens had a chance to take a swing on Connor Zary, and the decision to pass on him already looks like the sort of call that will be debated in Montreal for a while. Calgary was trying to turn Zary into a second-round pick before the situation shifted, and the Flames ultimately put him on waivers after no deal came together. For a Canadiens team that has spent plenty of time trying to deepen its young forward group, it was an opportunity worth noticing.
Zarys recent production also invites the kind of comparison Montreal fans have been making all season, especially when looking at Kirby Dachs uneven stretch. Even with injuries thinning the roster and adding pressure on the depth chart, the Canadiens still let the chance go by, which makes the choice feel even more curious in the moment. Whether that turns out to be prudence or a miss is the part that will keep hanging over it. [Read more 🡒]
Canadiens Make A Desperate Lineup Shakeup After Back-To-Back Losses
After back-to-back losses and some obvious defensive strain, the Canadiens are making another round of adjustments for their game against Nashville. Adam Engstrom is stepping into the lineup, and Jacob Fowler is also dressed, giving Montreal a different look as it tries to steady things and stop the slide.
Jakub Dobes will back up Fowler in goal while Samuel Montembeault remains day-to-day, leaving the Canadiens to juggle a situation they would much rather have settled. Jayden Struble was scratched to create room for Engstrom, a sign that the club is still searching for answers as it looks to clean up its own end. [Read more 🡒]
Canadiens Suddenly Have A Low-Risk Roster Decision To Make
A veteran forward with some lineup versatility has suddenly become available, and the Canadiens have a decision to make before the market moves on without them. New Jersey put Stefan Noesen on waivers, opening the door for Montreal to consider a low-cost addition to a bottom-six group that could use more experience and reliability on the fourth line.
Noesens recent play has been uneven, but waivers give the Canadiens a rare chance to add help without surrendering picks or prospects, which is always part of the appeal for a team still sorting out its depth. He is not the only name in the mix, either, with Brett Leason and Chase Stillman also on waivers while Mackenzie Entwistle cleared unclaimed, but for Montreal the question is whether this is the kind of small move that can quietly pay off. [Read more 🡒]