Darren Dreger believes Montreal would pay Detroit's price for Dylan Larkin, but he doubts the Red Wings forward will ever add the Canadiens to his list.
The insider said the cost would be a couple of grade-A prospects, a first-round pick and a top-nine player.
“I think Montreal would pay that... but unless there's a... complete change of heart, I just don't see Larkin adding Montreal to that list,” he said.
Montreal shouldn't pay that for a 30-year-old anyway. Two top prospects and a first is the price of a franchise piece, not a forward in his thirties.
It's like saving up for a house that isn't even on the market. The down payment can be ready, but the owner still has to list it.
Larkin has 3 points through six games on an $8,700,000 cap hit.
David Pagnotta has reported Montreal has an offer ready that it believes could get it to the finish line or over it.
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Dylan Larkin unlikely to approve a trade to Canadiens even though they'd pay, says Dreger
Dreger made the comments on the McKenna and Starr morning show.
Shaun Starr recently built his own mock deal with Michael Hage, Oliver Kapanen, Adam Engstrom and a first going to Detroit.
Marqueur has reported Montreal still isn't on Larkin's list, which lines up with what Dreger is hearing.
Elliotte Friedman has said the Bell Centre chants didn't hurt Montreal's chances, though it will still take work.
Shawn Horcoff, meanwhile, has called the situation status quo.
Minnesota has also surfaced, with Friedman pointing to Danila Yurov and Charlie Stramel as pieces Detroit is watching.
Detroit is 3-3-2 after Saturday's shootout win over San Jose, with Alex DeBrincat leading the way at 9 points.
Montreal is 4-3-1 after its overtime win over Buffalo, and Nick Suzuki now has 10 points.
If Larkin never adds Montreal, does Kent Hughes pivot to Mark Scheifele, Travis Konecny or Jake DeBrusk?
Detroit opens a western swing in Seattle on Tuesday, while Montreal hosts San Jose.
Montreal seems ready to pay. The only thing missing is the one name that matters adding the Canadiens to his list.
Should the Canadiens pay two top prospects and a first for Dylan Larkin?
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