Canadiens Fans Welcome Dylan Larkin Amid Trade Speculation

Montreal Canadiens fans signaled their interest in Dylan Larkin during the Detroit Red Wings' visit to the Bell Centre on Saturday, October 10, 2026, as speculation continued about a potential trade involving the Detroit captain. Chants supporting Larkin highlighted Montreal's interest, while reports suggested that his preferred destination and the considerations facing his family could influence the outcome.

According to DansLesCoulisses, fans chanted "We want Larkin" during the game and applauded as the American center was the last player to leave the ice following warmups. The reception came amid reports that Montreal could be a suitable destination for the 30-year-old forward, who has expressed a desire to play for a winning team.

TVA Sports journalist Renaud Lavoie said Larkin was not necessarily opposed to Montreal, although he was taking his time evaluating his options. Earlier reports had suggested that he did not want to play in Canada, leaving uncertainty about whether the Canadiens could become a realistic destination.

Family considerations have also emerged as a potential factor in any relocation. DansLesCoulisses reported that moving across the border could affect the schooling of Larkin's children, his family's employment arrangements and their adjustment to a different environment. His wife, Kenzy Wolfe, is from Michigan and has spent her life in the state.

Maxime Talbot, a former NHL forward and hockey analyst for RDS, argued in a column published by NHL.com on October 9 that Larkin would fit well with Montreal. He pointed to the center's defensive ability, speed and offensive production as qualities that could complement Nick Suzuki.

Larkin has recorded at least 30 goals in six seasons and at least 70 points in three seasons, according to Talbot's assessment. At 30, he could offer Montreal an experienced center with several productive seasons potentially remaining.

Talbot also highlighted Larkin's professional approach despite the uncertainty surrounding his future in Detroit. In his season debut against the Ottawa Senators on Tuesday, Larkin scored a goal and added an assist in a 5-3 victory, played 20 minutes and 41 seconds, and won 11 of 17 faceoffs, a 65% success rate.

Detroit's situation has become increasingly complicated following Larkin's trade request during the summer. The forward also lost his captaincy, according to NHL.com's account, while the organization continues to manage the uncertainty surrounding his future.

Talbot said Detroit interim general manager Shawn Horcoff would need to resolve the situation while protecting the team's interests. He also suggested that Larkin could help facilitate negotiations by identifying additional teams he would consider joining, giving Detroit more options without forcing the club to accept a below-market return.

The former forward noted that Larkin's desire to leave Detroit could be connected to the team's extended absence from the playoffs. The Red Wings have missed the postseason for 10 consecutive years, and Larkin has played only five playoff games since entering the NHL during the 2015-16 season.

Larkin also contributed to the United States' gold-medal campaign at the Milan Olympics in February 2026, according to Talbot. His international performance offered a reminder of his experience competing on a major stage despite his limited NHL playoff record.

Montreal's potential interest comes as the Canadiens continue to assess their roster. A separate report from 985fm.ca on October 10 also identified uncertainty surrounding Detroit and defenseman Simon Edvinsson as part of the Red Wings' difficult start to the season, while discussion around the Canadiens included recent roster changes and injury-related absences.

The Canadiens and Red Wings met in Montreal on Saturday as speculation about Larkin's future continued. No completed trade involving the forward was confirmed in the supplied reports.