Photo credit: David Kirouac-Imagn Images
A trade sending Dylan Larkin to the Montreal Canadiens is still possible, and there’s a real chance he could change his mind, Renaud Lavoie told BPM Sports.
We’d love to see Larkin agree to join Montreal. But if the Canadiens have to spend weeks convincing him to waive his no-trade clause, maybe he’s not the right fit after all.
However, Larkin refused to waive his clause, and the deal fell through.
Still, the fact that both teams had already agreed to a trade is a major development.
Lavoie also stressed that Larkin has nothing against Montreal. Quite the opposite, in fact.
That point has been repeated several times over the past week, giving Canadiens fans reason to remain hopeful.
Canadiens face growing pressure to address second-line center need as Dylan Larkin decision looms
Montreal’s need for a second-line center hasn’t changed. Alex Newhook, currently filling that role, has four points in seven games and a minus-2 rating, while Nick Suzuki continues to lead the team down the middle.
Larkin remains a serious target, but he’s not the only option.
As the season progresses, another question becomes more pressing: what happens if Larkin stays in Detroit?
The Red Wings are under no immediate pressure to make a move. They’re 2-3-2 and aren’t expected to seriously contend for a playoff spot.
For the Canadiens, sitting at 3-3-1, however, waiting comes at a cost.
Every game without a reliable second-line center is another missed opportunity to strengthen their young core.
The chants at the Bell Centre last Saturday showed just how badly Canadiens fans want Larkin in Montreal. Whether that support will convince him to reconsider remains to be seen.
Kent Hughes may be ready to make another offer if Larkin reconsiders his stance on Montreal.
The door remains open, but the Canadiens won’t wait forever.
Previously on Montreal Hockey Fanatics
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Canadiens reportedly reached a deal with the Red Wings for Dylan Larkin
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