Canadiens Reportedly Prepare Massive Trade Package for Dylan Larkin

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The Montreal Canadiens are hunting for a second-line center to play behind Nick Suzuki, and Detroit Red Wings captain Dylan Larkin is believed to be at the top of their wish list. This isn’t new information. The update on the same story that’s been circulating for weeks is the size of the trade package the Canadiens might be open to sending to Detroit.

According to Frank Seravalli on Frankly Hockey, Montreal has stayed interested and as Canadiens fans recently tried to sell Larkin on the idea of coming to Montreal — a chant of “We want Larkin” echoed through the Bell Centre this week — Larkin might be rethinking the idea of waiving his no-trade protection. Until now, that has been a non-starter. Seravalli wonders whether that could change after Larkin experienced the Montreal atmosphere firsthand.

Larkin called it the best atmosphere in hockey after Thursday’s game, praising the passionate and knowledgeable fans. “It was interesting,” he told reporters after the game. “I never would have imagined that in this building in my career. They’re passionate fans; this is, in my opinion, the best atmosphere in hockey. They’re knowledgeable and they love their team, so that’s how I read into it. But after a few seconds, it was just back to focusing on the game.”

How Much Are the Canadiens Willing to Give Up For Larkin?

Seravalli suggested American-born Canadiens players could help the pitch by explaining what makes the Montreal market special. He said the visit may have “planted a seed” for Larkin. Chris Kreider and Cole Caufield would both know how great it is to play in the Canadian market as an American.

However, it might not be that simple. Even if Larkin changes his mind and says yes to the idea of spending the next four seasons in Montreal, there’s the not-so-small matter of what it would take in trade to acquire him. The Red Wings aren’t exactly giving him away.

Any deal would be costly. Seravalli pointed to Montreal’s earlier offer for Columbus’ (now Toronto’s) Kirill Marchenko: two current NHL forwards, one current NHL defenseman, a first-round pick, and a conditional future pick that could become a first. Because Larkin would fill a bigger need, Seravalli believes Montreal might sweeten that package and pursue him aggressively.

Complications remain. Detroit is a divisional rival, and Seravalli noted a trade within the division is probably the last thing the Red Wings want. Still, he said people have whispered that Montreal could find a way to make it work if Larkin agrees.

For now, the decision rests largely with Larkin and whether Montreal’s pull is strong enough to change his mind.

Next: NHL Trade Talk Recap: Blackhawks, Maple Leafs, Flyers & Oilers