Canadiens have a path to land Dylan Larkin, and Friedman reveals one crucial detail
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Elliotte Friedman says the only path to a Dylan Larkin trade to Montreal runs through Detroit, with the Canadiens making an offer first.
The Montreal Canadiens can still land Dylan Larkin, but the road is narrow.
Elliotte Friedman explained on Monday's 32 Thoughts podcast that Montreal and Detroit must agree on a deal first.
Only then would the Red Wings go to Larkin and ask whether he'd waive his no-trade clause.
In Friedman's view, no other route gets it done.
"I think the only way for it to happen is if Montreal makes a deal with Detroit, and Detroit goes to Larkin and says, 'Look, we have a deal with the Canadiens. It's a really good deal for us. Would you consider it?' And then where do we go from there? That's the way. That's the only way I see it happening."
- Elliotte Friedman
- Elliotte Friedman
Why Montreal is not on Larkin's list
Larkin, 30, asked Detroit for a trade after last season and was stripped of the captaincy before training camp.
He is signed to an eight-year, $69.6 million contract he inked in March 2023, and it includes a no-trade clause.
His approved list has grown to 10 teams, including Florida, Minnesota and Vegas, but Montreal is not on it.
That's why Friedman wants Montreal to work backward.
Interim GM Shawn Horcoff has reportedly fielded multiple offers for Larkin and is holding out for a bigger return, according to Nick Kypreos.
The Red Wings are rebuilding after missing the playoffs for a decade, so they want real value coming back.
Canadiens GM Kent Hughes would have to put together something Detroit likes enough to bring to Larkin.
A Larkin and Nick Suzuki pairing down the middle would give Montreal a heavy one-two punch at center.
Did the Bell Centre visit change anything
Friedman also thinks Detroit's trip to Montreal on Oct. 10 may have shifted Larkin's thinking.
Fans at the Bell Centre chanted for Larkin during the game, and Friedman believes that made an impression on him.
Both Larkin and the Red Wings reportedly want this resolved quickly, which could make everyone more flexible.
Still, no deal looks imminent, and Larkin holds the final say on where he goes.
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