Canadiens Weigh Larkin Deal as Michkov and Pugachyov Struggle

The Montreal Canadiens could be prepared to make an even larger offer for Dylan Larkin than the package they reportedly considered for Kirill Marchenko, according to hockey insider Frank Seravalli. Meanwhile, Canadiens prospect Gleb Pugachyov has struggled offensively in Russia, and Philadelphia Flyers forward Matvei Michkov has recorded just two goals through seven games. Seravalli revisited Montreal's potential trade approach in a report published by Frankly Hockey, connecting the club's interest in Marchenko with speculation surrounding Larkin.

The Detroit Red Wings center could address Montreal's need for a second-line center, a position that has become a priority for the organization. According to Seravalli's earlier reporting, the Canadiens were prepared to offer the Columbus Blue Jackets five assets for Marchenko: two forwards and one defenseman currently playing in the NHL, a first-round draft pick, and a conditional pick that could become another first-round selection. The identities of the three players were not disclosed.

Seravalli indicated that Montreal's potential offer for Larkin could be even more substantial. The report did not identify specific players or draft picks that might be included in a deal.

Montreal's interest in Larkin is linked to the opportunity to strengthen the center position behind the team's top line. However, no completed trade or formal agreement was reported in the source article. Pugachyov, whom Montreal selected in the first round of the most recent draft, is experiencing a difficult start to his season in the MHL, Russia's junior hockey league. The winger has registered one point in seven games, according to the statistics cited in the report.

The Canadiens selected Pugachyov because of his aggressive playing style and physical presence. His limited offensive production has raised questions about his early development, particularly given the expectations surrounding his readiness to progress toward the NHL. Pugachyov also missed time last month because of a concussion, a setback that may have affected his ability to establish a consistent rhythm. The available statistics, however, do not establish whether the injury is responsible for his slow start.

In Philadelphia, Michkov has also struggled to match the expectations surrounding his performance this season. The Russian forward has scored two goals and recorded two points in seven games, while his ice time reached just 12 minutes and 54 seconds in his most recent game, according to the source. Michkov had generated optimism in Philadelphia after improving his game over the summer.

His early-season production and limited playing time have since become points of discussion surrounding the Flyers' young forward. The report also noted that Michkov had deleted or hidden his Instagram posts. Jamey Baskow highlighted the change on October 12, 2026, while acknowledging that the move could simply reflect a desire for privacy or greater focus on hockey.

No explanation from Michkov was provided in the article.

Philadelphia's difficulties extend beyond Michkov, with the source describing a poor start for the team overall. Nevertheless, Michkov's prominence has kept attention focused on his individual performance and the circumstances surrounding his reduced ice time.

Elsewhere in the league, Seravalli reported on October 13, 2026, that Minnesota Wild defenseman Quinn Hughes had collected nine points through five and a half games, compared with six points through six games during each of the listed seasons: 2024-25, 2023-24, 2022-23, and 2020-21.