Canadiens make their intentions clear to Detroit in Dylan Larkin trade talks

The Montreal Canadiens have not moved on from Dylan Larkin, and the latest word from David Pagnotta says the door is still open on their end.

Speaking on TheMugNHL Show, Pagnotta described Montreal as sitting in wait-and-see mode on the Detroit Red Wings center.

He added that the Canadiens have made it clear to Detroit they would be serious about a deal if Larkin is willing to go to Montreal.

That last part is the whole story.

Larkin requested a trade after last season, and he holds a full no-trade clause, so he decides where he lands.

Montreal has not been on his approved list.

On paper, it is easy to see why the Canadiens remain interested.

They have been hunting for a second line center to play behind Nick Suzuki, and Larkin scored 34 goals and 67 points last season.

His cap hit sits at $8.7 million through 2030-31.

Pagnotta also reported on September 27 that Montreal is one of six clubs that have checked in on Larkin since June, along with the Kings, Flyers, Bruins, Hurricanes and Sharks.

Detroit has reportedly turned down the offers it has seen so far.

Not everyone is optimistic. Darren Dreger reported late last month that Larkin still isn't willing to reconsider playing for a Canadian team, and suggested it may be time for Montreal to stop waiting on a change of heart.

TVA Sports reporter Renaud Lavoie went even further, saying Larkin would already be a Canadien if he had approved the move.

So the Canadiens wait, the Red Wings hold firm, and Larkin keeps the key.

If his list of acceptable teams grows again, Montreal is clearly ready to jump.

Until then, this one stays a waiting game.

Also read on House Of Hockey :
Panthers receive terrible Aleksander Barkov injury news and return date