What Could the Canadiens Offer the Red Wings for Dylan Larkin?

The Montreal Canadiens have been linked to several interesting names over the past few months, but Dylan Larkin might be one of the biggest yet. With rumours surrounding the Detroit Red Wings captain’s future and the possibility of him expanding his list of acceptable trade destinations, Montreal could become an interesting team to watch. Of course, nothing is guaranteed, and Larkin would have significant control over where he ends up. However, considering the Canadiens’ need for another legitimate top-six centre, it is worth exploring what a potential deal could look like.

Why Larkin Would Be a Perfect Fit

There is no question that the Canadiens could use another established centre behind Nick Suzuki. Montreal has plenty of promising young forwards, but the lack of a proven second-line centre has been an issue for quite some time.

Larkin would immediately change the picture. The Red Wings ex-captain brings a combination of speed, offensive production, leadership, and two-way responsibility that would make him an excellent addition to Montreal’s lineup. Unlike some of the other centres linked to the Canadiens, Larkin would not simply be a temporary solution.

At 30 years old, he could remain an important part of Montreal’s core for several seasons. He is also under contract through the 2030-31 season at an annual cap hit of $8.7 million. 

Imagine a Canadiens lineup with Suzuki and Larkin occupying the first two centre positions. Suddenly, Montreal would have the luxury of spreading its offensive talent across two dangerous scoring lines. However, acquiring a player of Larkin’s calibre would certainly not come cheap.

What Could Montreal Offer?

The good news for the Canadiens is that they have something many teams lack, an impressive collection of young players, prospects, and valuable assets. Montreal should have enough pieces to put together a competitive offer.

One of the most interesting names would undoubtedly be Michael Hage. The young centre has established himself as one of Montreal’s most exciting prospects, and his offensive potential makes him an extremely valuable asset. However, with Suzuki already established and Larkin potentially arriving, the Canadiens would have to consider whether moving Hage could make sense.

It would be a difficult decision, especially considering his potential, but acquiring an established player like Larkin requires giving up something significant.

Another possibility would be including a young NHL player such as Oliver Kapanen. Kapanen has shown plenty of promise since joining the Canadiens and has the potential to develop into a reliable middle-six centre. At just 23 years old, he could be an intriguing piece for a Detroit team looking to get younger while remaining competitive. His two-way abilities, hockey IQ, and versatility make him an attractive asset, especially considering that he has already demonstrated he can contribute at the NHL level.

Montreal could also explore including one of its young defensive prospects. David Reinbacher would be an interesting name from Detroit’s perspective, while Adam Engström could represent another option depending on the overall package.

The Canadiens also have draft picks available to strengthen an offer. A hypothetical package involving Hage, Kapanen, and a pick would certainly represent a significant sacrifice for Montreal. Whether Detroit would consider that enough is another question entirely, especially if the Red Wings are looking for established NHL talent rather than a futures-heavy return.

Ultimately, the Canadiens have the assets to enter the conversation, but they would need to be careful about how much of their future they are willing to sacrifice.

Should the Canadiens Actually Make the Move?

This is where things become particularly interesting. Montreal is no longer a team simply looking to accumulate prospects and wait for them to develop. The Canadiens have taken significant steps forward, and their young core is beginning to establish itself among the NHL’s more exciting groups.

Adding Larkin could accelerate that process considerably. Instead of waiting for Hage to develop into a potential second-line centre, Montreal would acquire someone who has already proven capable of handling major responsibilities at the NHL level.

There is also the leadership factor. Larkin has spent his entire NHL career in Detroit and has experience carrying the responsibilities that come with being a captain. Adding that kind of veteran presence to a relatively young Canadiens team could be extremely valuable.

However, there are legitimate concerns. Larkin is already 30 years old, and his contract carries him into his mid-thirties. Montreal would also need to consider the financial implications of adding another expensive player to a roster featuring several significant long-term commitments.

Most importantly, the Canadiens cannot afford to sacrifice too many of the young players who have made their future so promising. If Detroit demands multiple premium prospects alongside significant draft capital, Montreal might be better off looking elsewhere.

Still, opportunities to acquire established top-six centres do not come around very often. If Larkin becomes available and is willing to consider Montreal, Kent Hughes should absolutely explore the possibility. The Canadiens have the assets, the need, and an increasingly competitive roster that could make such a move worthwhile. At the moment of writing those lines, Larkin still does not have Montreal on his list, but if he expands it, the Canadiens have the assets to make a splash.