Pierre LeBrun torn over Canadiens trading Michael Hage for Dylan Larkin
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Pierre LeBrun is split on the Canadiens sending Michael Hage to Detroit for Dylan Larkin straight up, though he doesn't see Hage in a bigger package.
Pierre LeBrun does not see the Canadiens ever agreeing to include Michael Hage in a large package for Dylan Larkin.
A straight swap of Hage alone, though, has him torn.
He floated that idea on TSN690 on Wednesday and admitted he argues both sides with himself.
"I don't see the Canadiens, this is just my own opinion, ever saying yes to including him in a large package for Larkin. I guess where, where I kind of get myself in a 50/50 debate with myself is: what if the ask was just Hage, straight up?"
- Pierre LeBrun
- Pierre LeBrun
The timing is interesting for Montreal.
The Canadiens are 7-3-2, second in the Atlantic, and have won three straight.
But Nick Suzuki is out with an upper-body injury until at least Nov. 18, and he leads the team with 12 points in nine games.
Larkin's price and his say
Larkin has six points in 10 games and a +3 rating while carrying an $8.7 million cap hit.
Detroit sits 5-4-3 and has been outscored 37-33, so the Red Wings are far from comfortable either.
The bigger hurdle is Larkin himself.
He holds a full no-trade clause, and Montreal is not among the 10 teams on his approved list.
Detroit has still been scouting the Canadiens in case that changes.
What Montreal gives up
Hage is Montreal's 2024 first-round pick and is playing at the University of Michigan.
He is set to arrive after his college season ends, which is a big reason Montreal can afford to wait.
Frank Seravalli reported that the Canadiens have no plans to move him.
Meanwhile Jacob Fowler has a .942 save percentage with two shutouts in seven appearances, so the Canadiens are already getting young talent to produce.
Still, a proven NHL forward could help cover for Suzuki's absence.
Kent Hughes now has to decide whether a one-for-one offer is even worth chasing.
Detroit would also need to be happy with Hage alone coming back for a forward who requested a trade in June.
For now it remains a hypothetical, and Larkin still holds all the cards.
Fans will keep watching as the trade market warms up.
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