On the NHL Network, former NHL forwards Mike Johnson and Michael Rupp were discussing what the future might hold for Detroit Red Wings captain Dylan Larkin.

It’s been a few months now since Larkin requested that the Red Wings trade him. Johnson thinks he knows Larkin’s ideal landing spot.

The Montreal Canadiens.

“I think that makes a lot of sense,” Johnson said. “Detroit … would like to get this done sooner rather than later.

“You look at Montreal and how stacked they are for the next 4-5 years—legitimate Stanley Cup contenders. And oh yeah, they have a boatload of prospects that they can send back the other way, that can help the Red Wings.”

Johnson went on to discuss Michigan Wolverines center Michael Hage, Montreal’s 2024 first-round pick, as being the centerpiece of a Canadiens package for Larkin. He talked about how dynamic the Canadiens could be down the middle with a 1-2 punch of Nick Suzuki and Larkin.

Here’s Why the Red Wings Won’t Be Moving Larkin to Montreal

On paper, Johnson’s proposal does make a lot of sense. However, there are plenty of reasons why it’s never going to happen. Johnson even pointed out the most obvious monkey wrench preventing his plan from coming to fruition.

“Larkin, he does have a say,” Johnson said. “He wants to be able to determine where he wants to play.”

Larkin’s contract includes a full no-movement clause. He’s given the Red Wings a list of destinations where he’d be willing to go. On that list, depending upon which rumour you believe, are the Minnesota Wild, Vegas Golden Knights, Florida Panthers, and perhaps the Dallas Stars.

Kyle Bukauskas: Re Dylan Larkin trade request/Red Wings: You still think the request stands?

Elliotte Friedman: I think it does for now, because we’ll see what the new [GM] comes in and says and how Larkin feels

– 32 Thoughts (8/25)

— NHL Rumour Report (@NHLRumourReport) August 28, 2026

No, Montreal isn’t on the list. Canada in general isn’t a desired destination.

Larkin is among five 2026 U.S. Olympians who recently requested a trade. Interestingly, of the three who’ve already been moved – Matthew Tkachuk (Calgary), Quinn Hughes (Vancouver), and Brady Tkachuk (Ottawa) – all successfully sought to get out of Canada. The latest addition to the list, Winnipeg goalie Connor Hellebuyck, is seeking to do likewise.

Larkin isn’t interested in going against the grain and making the move to a Canadian team.

Finally, if you’re the Red Wings, do you really want to trade Larkin to another Atlantic Division club and have him come down and beat up on Detroit multiple times each season?

No, as much as it might make sense, Larkin to Montreal isn’t going to happen.