The Detroit Red Wings are going through some tough times on and off the ice. The Red Wings are still working through the Dylan Larkin trade request. Simon Edvinsson still wants a trade as well. And the team hasn't been the strongest on the ice, either.
Detroit does have some good things going for it, though. Viktor Arvidsson has been an incredible signing to this point in the season. Alex DeBrincat recently re-signed, giving the team some much-needed good news. And they have an intriguing young duo forming in center Emmitt Finnie and winger Michael Brandsegg-Nygard.
Overall, though, the team is lagging behind a loaded Atlantic Division as it enters November. They currently sit tied for last place in the division with the Buffalo Sabres. They are six points out of first place, and only three points out of second place. At the same time, it's clear Detroit is not on par with the rest of its division.
The Red Wings are unlikely to be buyers this season. Detroit does not have the quality necessary to win games against these tough Atlantic Division opponents. This is a team that will give others fits on the ice. But the wins may not follow the gutsy performances.
With this in mind, it's time for Detroit to overreact. There is one significant trade the Red Wings must make early in the season so it can move forward with the rest of its campaign.
Red Wings must convince Dylan Larkin to join Canadiens
The Red Wings still have not traded Dylan Larkin at this time. The former captain has expanded his trade list to 10 teams in recent weeks, which should facilitate his move elsewhere. However, there is one notable team not on the list: the Montreal Canadiens.
Montreal is notable for one major reason. Detroit played in Montreal on October 10th. Canadiens fans made it known that they wanted to see Larkin wear their iconic sweater this season.
Right after the puck dropped in Montreal, Habs fans had a deafening "WE WANT LARKIN" chant going inside Bell Centre 😭🫣 pic.twitter.com/Ld0Ig0THP2
— Gino Hard (@GinoHard_) October 10, 2026
Despite the positive crowd response, Larkin has maintained his desire to be traded to an American team. At the same time, there are only so many teams on his list that could feasibly make this move. Even with the newly added teams, this is not an easy move to pull off.
Article Continues BelowBut the Canadiens have both the assets needed and the motivation. Captain Nick Suzuki is out with an injury at this time. When he returns, the Habs will still need a second-line center they can rely on. Larkin can help fill in for Suzuki on the top line, then move down the lineup and provide needed insurance for the Habs' captain.
The Red Wings can certainly wait this out if they want to. Detroit has leverage in the sense that they do not need to trade Larkin any time soon. He signed for another four seasons after this. In 2028, that pesky full no-trade clause becomes a modified no-trade clause.
At the same time, this is a distraction that will not go away. If the Red Wings string together some wins, Larkin's future will still be discussed. If they fall off, then his future and his play on the ice will be scrutinized. The only way for both sides to move on is to make this trade happen as soon as possible.
Larkin may be averse to playing in Canada for whatever reason. But he has one of the most passionate fanbases in the entire league calling for him to wear their sweater. He has a chance to contend for a Stanley Cup immediately with the Habs, as well. For as much as he may not be thrilled about it, the Canadiens are his best landing spot at this point in time.