Bruins Get Bad News While Trying to Get on Dylan Larkin’s Trade List

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The Boston Bruins lead the Atlantic Division and sit second in the East behind the reigning champion Carolina Hurricanes after 16 games. With such a strong start, one might assume they’d be an attractive destination for a player looking to make the playoffs and compete for a Stanley Cup. It’s still early, but another solid addition could really boost the Bruins’ odds, which could explain why they’re reportedly still pursuing Detroit Red Wings center, Dylan Larkin.

NHL insider Elliotte Friedman said Thursday that he’s surprised by how the week has unfolded. He had heard Larkin was considering changing his list of acceptable destinations over the weekend, but he didn’t. Friedman named Buffalo, Montreal and St. Louis as teams pushing to get in. “I suspect Boston, honestly, is another one,” he said.

Friedman also laid out why Boston would appeal to Larkin. The Bruins’ +20 goal differential is second best in the NHL, and he credited their structure and consistency.

TSN’s Darren Dreger added that Red Wings director of pro scouting Kris Draper attended Boston’s recent game against the Vegas Golden Knights. Dreger said the Bruins are believed to be just like Montreal in wanting a spot on Larkin’s list, but that it remains an “unchanged 10-team list.”

In other words, Boston is a no and that seems unlikely to change given that Larkin’s agent has told the Red Wings they’ve given them 10 teams and they should be able to make something work with the 10 provided.

Will the Bruins Ever Get on Larkin’s List?

Detroit said it will keep exploring trades, but that any deal needs Larkin’s approval and must serve “the best interests of the Detroit Red Wings.” If the Bruins have one of the better offers, it makes sense for the Red Wings to keep approaching Larkin’s camp to see where his head is at.

The Bruins want Larkin. As of right now, Larkin doesn’t want the Bruins. Whether that changes as the forward keeps losing money the longer he sits remains to be seen.

Next: 8 Teams That Should Seriously Consider a Kucherov Trade