NHL Rumor Roundup: Could Dylan Larkin Or Kirill Marchenko Get Traded To The Canadiens?
As the calendar flipped toSeptember, there was no sign of any resolution regarding DylanLarkin’s trade status.
The Detroit Red Wings centerrequested a trade in the spring. However, his situation remains inlimbo as the club continues to search for a new general manager.
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Larkin, 30, has a fullno-movement clause but is willing to waive it for the Minnesota Wild,Vegas Golden Knights, and Florida Panthers. The DallasStars are also rumored to be a destination.
Some observers believe Larkinmust expand his list of preferred destinations if he hopes to bemoved before the Red Wings open their regular-season schedule on Oct.2.
On Aug. 28, NHL Network’s MikeJohnson suggested the Montreal Canadiens as a possible landing spotfor Larkin.
Johnson observed that the Canadiensare “stacked” with talent that should make them a Stanley Cupcontender for the next four or five years. He noted that they candraw on their “boatload” of young talent to make a tempting tradeoffer.
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The Canadiens have the tradeableassets to make a competitive bid and the salary cap space to absorbhis $8.7 million average annual value. However, his current preferreddestinations are all in the United States. If he expands his list,it’s unlikely to contain any Canadian teams.
Perhaps the Utah Mammoth could bea better option. The Hockey News’ Ryan O’Hara noted theMammoth are a rising young Western Conference club and would makethe most sense for Larkin if he’s serious about pursuing theStanley Cup.
Marchenko On The Move?
Meanwhile, in Columbus, BlueJackets winger Kirill Marchenko keeps resurfacing in trade rumors.
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Marchenko, 25, first appeared inthe rumor mill during the 2026 NHL Draft when ESPN’s Kevin Weekesreported he might not sign a contract extension. He’s in the finalseason of a three-year contract with a $3.85 million AAV and becomesa restricted free agent with arbitration rights next July.
A report out of Russia in Julyclaimed the Blue Jackets were talking with several NHL teams abouttrading Marchenko. However, GM Don Waddell refuted that speculation.
On Aug. 30, Brian Hedger of TheColumbus Dispatch reported that Waddell expects Marchenko to bewith the Blue Jackets when training camp opens on Sept. 16.
Canadiens Fans May Need A Bit More Patience
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James Murphy of The Sick Podcastacknowledged Waddell’s comments and cited a source claiming theBlue Jackets GM doesn’t intend to trade Marchenko. However, anothersource told Murphy he didn’t rule it out, addingthat the Canadiens would be at the head of the line ofpotential suitors if the winger became available.
Allan Mitchell of The Athleticrecently suggested the Edmonton Oilers should pursue Marchenko. Hebelieves the skillful winger would be a good fit if they were to go after animpact forward in the trade market.
It’s doubtful Waddell will moveMarchenko unless he gets a substantial offer. He might be more opento that idea if the Blue Jackets stumble out of the gate again.
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