Dylan Larkin is suddenly in the Montreal conversation, with Martin St-Louis now tied to a trade scenario raised by insider David Pagnotta.
Pagnotta said the Canadiens are in a “wait-and-see mode” and have made Detroit aware they would be serious if Larkin were willing to go to Montreal.
That distinction matters. This isn't a report that a trade is complete or even close. The first pressure point is Larkin's willingness to entertain Montreal as a destination.
Larkin remains under contract with Detroit at a $8,700,000 cap hit through the 2030-31 season, giving the Red Wings major control over any potential negotiation.
There's another immediate wrinkle. Larkin is currently listed on injured reserve with an upper-body issue and is expected to remain out until at least October 6.
"David Pagnotta to me on TheMugNHL Show about the Canadiens-Larkin: “I think they're in the wait-and-see mode. I think they've made clear to Detroit that if he's willing to go to Montreal, that they'd be serious about it.”"
The hockey fit explains why Montreal would listen. Larkin has produced 643 points across 808 regular-season games, bringing established top-six production down the middle.
Montreal's interest changes the Larkin conversation
For Kent Hughes, even exploring this type of move would carry major consequences. Larkin wouldn't arrive as a depth addition. He would immediately alter Montreal's center hierarchy and long-term cap structure.
Martin St-Louis would also be dealing with a player accustomed to carrying major offensive responsibility. This would be a lineup move built around usage, matchups and top-six deployment rather than simple roster depth.
Detroit's side is just as important. Todd McLellan still has Larkin on his roster, while general manager Steve Yzerman would control what any serious conversation looks like.
Pagnotta's wording makes the next step clear: Montreal appears willing to engage, but only if Larkin himself opens that door.
That's why this has moved beyond ordinary speculation. A credible insider has now attached a specific condition to Montreal's interest instead of simply connecting two recognizable names.
Nothing guarantees the Canadiens get their chance. But if Larkin signals that Montreal works for him, Hughes would suddenly have one of the biggest possible roster decisions sitting on his desk.
And for a Canadiens team still shaping its core under St-Louis, that would become a story the entire league would watch closely.
Should the Canadiens make a serious push for Dylan Larkin?
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