The Detroit Red Wings are still trying to navigate just what they are going to do with Dylan Larkin, who requested a trade back in June. Yet, Larkin still remains in Detroit, where he is a participant in training camp, but had the captaincy stripped from him. It has been an exhausting process for Red Wings fans, as there appears to be no solution to this seemingly never-ending saga.
It's known that Larkin will only request a trade to three teams — the Florida Panthers, Vegas Golden Knights, and Minnesota Wild. The Panthers and Golden Knights don't have the cap space to fit Larkin's current contract. As for the Wild, they don't have the assets the Red Wings are seeking, especially as interim general manager Shawn Horcoff declared they are still trying to "win now." Larkin already turn down trades to teams not on his wishlist, with the Philadelphia Flyers being one team.
Now, there is a new team that Larkin outright rejected a trade to. It is also a team that may have helped the Red Wings in terms of getting talent back in return.
Dylan Larkin reportedly rejected trade to the Montreal Canadiens
Sportsnet's Nick Kypreos released his trade board before the start of the 2026-27 season, and touched on the Larkin situation. Kypreos revealed that the Montreal Canadiens tried to convince Larkin to waive his no-movement clause to join them, but the center "still has no interest in coming to Canada."
This will without a doubt have Red Wings fans even more frustrated with Larkin. Not only did he decline to elaborate on why he requested a trade during his first press conference at training camp, but he is limiting the team's options to get the best return possible.
If Larkin is looking to contend, the Canadiens fit the bill. It is a young roster that shocked the world last season when they made it to the Eastern Conference Finals by defeating the Tampa Bay Lightning and Buffalo Sabres in the first two rounds of the playoffs. Not to mention, this is a team that has a stacked prospect pool, which ranks ninth overall by The Athletic. Some players, like Michael Hage, Alexander Zharovsky, and David Reinbacher, could potentially be part of a return package for Larkin. It would certainly help the Red Wings out for the future.
Yet, a trade to Montreal was a no-go for Larkin.
Red Wings fans still waiting for conclusion to never-ending Dylan Larkin trade saga
With the start of the regular season approaching, it appears less likely that Larkin will be dealt. For that, it could mean he will be on the ice playing for the Red Wings, and it could lead to some, interesting reactions from fans at Little Caesar's Arena.
In that case, it perhaps is best for the Red Wings to just let the season move along, then re-explore their options at the trade deadline. Perhaps the team will finally have a new head of the front office in place by then. Or, maybe Larkin will expand his trade wish list to help the Red Wings get the best trade package in return.
Until then, the Red Wings faithful will have to continue dealing with more uncertainty surrounding their now former captain. The fact that he turned down yet another trade won't make disgruntled fans any less irritated.
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