On Tuesday, Detroit Red Wings center Dylan Larkin has reportedly expanded his trade list to ten teams, according to Helene St. James of the Detroit Free Press.
The list now includes the Carolina Hurricanes, Colorado Avalanche, Dallas Stars, Florida Panthers, New Jersey Devils, Minnesota Wild, Utah Mammoth, Tampa Bay Lightning, Vegas Golden Knights and Washington Capitals.
The list raises several questions as Larkin reportedly wants to join a team where he can compete, yet he is open to going to Washington, who missed the playoffs last season but has been loading up for one last run at the Cup in Alex Ovechkin's final season. The most surprising name may be New Jersey, who also missed the playoffs last year and is not expected to return this season.
Montreal Canadiens still present the best chance for Dylan Larkin to get a Stanley Cup
If Larkin truly wants to chase a Stanley Cup, he could follow the path of fellow American Chris Kreider, who had every NHL team vying for his services and chose the Montreal Canadiens. Of the ten teams on Larkin's list, only two went further into the playoffs than the Canadiens in the two Stanley Cup finalists, Carolina and Vegas.
Montreal also has the assets to make a deal work with the latest reports indicating Detroit would want two A-level prospects, one current NHL forward who could slot into the top-six or top-nine, and one or more first-round picks.
It wouldn't be difficult for the Habs to put together a package that could include the likes of top prospects like Michael Hage, Alexander Zharovsky or Gleb Pugachyov, along with a current roster player like Kirby Dach, Zack Bolduc or Oliver Kapanen. It would be impactful losses to the future of the organization but could give Montreal a legitimate second line center that could help them compete in the here and now.
The Canadiens could easily accommodate a deal worthwhile for the Red Wings, however, Larkin appears to have a very clear bias against Canadian markets and if he passes on likely one of the best opportunities available, he may come to regret it.
On the ice, the 30-year-old returned to the Red Wings lineup with a goal and an assist, but he has gone without a goal over his last six games, picking up just three assists. Larkin wrapped up last season with a career-high 34 goals and 33 assists for 67 points, marking his fifth consecutive season with at least 65 points.
His biggest value comes from his versatility as the Michigan native can center both the top power-play unit and the top penalty-kill unit, making him a difference maker on special teams. He would be a significant addition for the Canadiens, but with all signs pointing to Larkin not wanting to play north of the border, Montreal may be better off exploring other options, ones that actually want to win.
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