Dylan Larkin hears 'We want Larkin' chants in Montreal

Larkin got asked about it after the game, and he didn't duck it.

Eric Engels

@EricEngels

Dylan Larkin on fans chanting his name: “It was interesting. I never would’ve imagined that in this building in my career. But they’re passionate fans. In my opinion, it’s the best atmosphere in hockey, and they’re knowledgeable, and they love their team, and that’s how I read into it. And after a few seconds, it was just back to focusing on the game.”

That's a very diplomatic answer. He calls it the best atmosphere in hockey and says the fans are knowledgeable and love their team. Then comes the line that matters: after a few seconds it was back to the game. He's not slamming the door on Montreal, and he's not giving them anything either. The building got its moment, and so did he.

Here's why a road crowd is serenading the other team's best player. Larkin asked for a trade in June after years of frustration in Detroit, and he has a full no-trade clause. He's 30, and he's in the middle of an 8-year, $69.6 million deal signed in March 2023 that carries an $8.7 million cap hit with 5 seasons left. He gets to pick where he goes, and so far he hasn't picked Montreal.

That's the problem for the Habs. Larkin's list has grown to 8 teams, reportedly Minnesota, Florida, Las Vegas, Dallas, Washington, Colorado and Tampa among them, and none of them are Canadian. Frank Seravalli reported that Montreal would love to acquire him and could meet Detroit's asking price. One source even said Larkin could end the whole saga right away by adding the Canadiens. So Habs fans did the only thing they could, and lobbied him from the stands.

Detroit's bench got the same questions. Wings coach Todd McLellan was asked about the Larkin situation after the game, and the exchange is below.

Eric Engels

@EricEngels

Back and forth with Wings coach Todd McLellan on the Larkin situation:

As for the hockey, Montreal won 1-0 in a shootout. It was a tight game played under a very strange soundtrack. Larkin is already used to hearing the crowd. In his season debut at home against Ottawa he got booed before putting up a goal and an assist in a 5-3 win. So it's boos in Detroit and love letters in Montreal, all within one week.

What to watch next is whether the list moves. Detroit executives have reportedly been at consecutive Wild games, so Minnesota is clearly in play. The Canadiens look like the team that can both contend and pay the Red Wings' price, but they're stuck waiting on Larkin to change his mind before the March 1 deadline. One night of chanting won't do that. Still, if he means it about the best atmosphere in hockey, Montreal fans just made their best pitch.