Dylan Larkin’s trade situation is starting to draw real attention, and Montreal is right in the middle of it.
According to Elliotte Friedman, the Detroit captain may be open to revisiting his trade list, with Montreal, Buffalo, Boston and St. Louis all reportedly in the mix. Friedman said in his latest 32 Thoughts that he heard late last week Larkin was considering the move, though nothing has changed yet.
That distinction matters. Larkin has not altered his list, and Montreal’s reported interest does not mean anything has progressed to actual trade talks.
But his name is now being tied to a handful of teams, and the Canadiens have already been part of the conversation before. Just days ago, a possible three-team setup involving Montreal, Tampa Bay and Detroit surfaced, with both Larkin and Nikita Kucherov mentioned.
Friedman also addressed Kucherov, saying some teams believe the Lightning star will not sign a new deal before July 1. Kucherov has 20 points in 14 games this season, and his contract is set to expire at the end of the year.
For Montreal, the timing is notable. The Canadiens head into tonight’s game against Utah with a 9-3-3 record, good for sixth overall in the NHL and second in the Atlantic Division. That’s not the profile of a club simply waiting around in a rebuild anymore.
Larkin, selected 15th overall in 2014, has put up 278 goals in 818 career games. This season, he has 2 goals and 6 points in 10 games. His playoff résumé is still light, with 5 games and 1 goal, and at 30, the chance to chase a Stanley Cup could factor into whatever comes next.
Among the teams linked to him, Montreal stands out, but so do the others in different ways. Boston leads the Atlantic at 11-4-1, while Buffalo is 16th overall and St. Louis sits 22nd.
For now, the ball is in Larkin’s court. Until he actually changes his list, Montreal can only keep watching. But the Canadiens are now firmly part of the story.
In Other News...
Canadiens Linked To Defenseman Who Could Reshape Their Blue Line
Simon Edvinssons name has started to circulate in Montreal for all the right reasons, at least from a roster-building standpoint. The Detroit Red Wings defenseman remains unsigned, and reports from The Fourth Period have put the Canadiens in the mix as teams around the league monitor the situation. For a Montreal blue line that has been a constant point of evaluation, a young left-shot defenseman with size and upside is the kind of player that naturally draws attention.
Nothing is close to being settled, and there is no trade in place, but the fit is easy to understand from the Canadiens side. Montreal has been linked to Edvinsson as it looks at ways to strengthen and reshape its defense, and any move involving a player of his profile would carry real implications for how the group is built going forward. For now, it is just a name to watch, but it is one that could linger as the situation develops. [Read more 🡒]
Canadiens Fans Are Bracing For A Big Ivan Demidov Update
Ivan Demidovs status has become the latest point of concern for Canadiens fans, with the young forward already on injured reserve because of an ankle injury. The situation has lingered long enough to create real unease around his recovery, especially with the club still holding back on a full explanation while the injury picture remains unclear.
His agent has added to the uncertainty by indicating the issue is more serious than a simple setback, but Montreal has not publicly confirmed that assessment. For now, the Canadiens are expected to provide an update tomorrow, and until then the focus stays on how long Demidov might be out and what it means for a team that has been waiting on more clarity. [Read more 🡒]
Canadiens Face One Big Test After That Winnipeg Collapse
The Canadiens are back at the Bell Centre looking to steady themselves after the Winnipeg loss, and the next assignment brings a Utah Mammoth team that has been tough enough to make this a meaningful early test. Montreal has already confirmed Jakub Dobes in goal, giving the club a chance to reset behind a younger netminder as it tries to put the previous game behind it and get back to the cleaner structure that has carried it at its best.
Utah is expected to counter with Karel Vejmelka, who has had some success against Montreal with a 3-3-1 record in the matchup, which only adds to the sense that this one could hinge on the details. With key players recent form and injury situations still part of the backdrop, the Canadiens will be judged less on style points than on whether they can respond to a frustrating setback with a sharper, more complete effort. [Read more 🡒]