Dylan Larkin went from being booed by Detroit Red Wings fans to being wanted by Montreal Canadiens suppor - The Times of India

Dylan Larkin, 26, has emerged as a major NHL storyline in Detroit’s offseason trade request and frosty relationship with some of the home fans. The difference was especially noticeable on Oct. 10, 2026, when Montreal Canadiens fans repeatedly chanted for the Detroit captain during a game at the Bell Center.The chants came despite a significant obstacle to a potential move: Larkin remains under contract with Detroit and has a full no-trade clause. His reported trade preferences have not included Canadian teams, meaning Montreal’s enthusiastic reception does not automatically translate into a realistic deal.Dylan Larkin's $8.7 million deal complicates Montreal trade speculationThe tension surrounding Larkin intensified after reports that he requested a trade during the 2026 offseason. The situation reportedly led to Detroit stripping him of the captaincy, adding another layer to an already difficult chapter in his relationship with the franchise. When he returned to Little Caesars Arena for his season debut after an upper-body injury, the response from some home supporters was hostile.Larkin was booed during player introductions and whenever he touched the puck, according to reports covering his return, and the reaction reflected frustration among some fans over the trade request and uncertainty surrounding the future of a player who had long been an important figure for the organization.Despite the reception, Larkin remained composed and scored in his season debut, rather than celebrating provocatively. Also, he kept his reaction restrained, avoiding further escalation with the crowd, and the moment illustrated the complicated relationship between a prominent homegrown player and supporters who were unhappy about the possibility of his departure.Montreal Canadiens fans chant for Dylan LarkinJust days after the controversy in Detroit, Larkin experienced a remarkably different reception in Montreal. During the October 10 matchup between the Red Wings and Canadiens at the Bell Centre, home fans repeatedly chanted, “We want Lar-kin!” The chants continued through portions of the first two periods, turning the visiting center's trade situation into one of the night's biggest talking points.The Canadiens' supporters were effectively making a public pitch for a player who could strengthen their center position, and Larkin is an established NHL scorer and a regular 30-goal threat when healthy. Thus, making him an attractive name in trade discussions, and his experience and offensive production could make him a valuable addition to a team seeking to improve its competitiveness.Larkin admitted that the reaction caught him by surprise, and he praised Montreal's passionate supporters and described the Bell Centre as one of hockey's best atmospheres. His comments acknowledged the unusual moment without suggesting that he was interested in joining the Canadiens.The game itself ended in a 1-0 shootout victory for Montreal after neither team scored during regulation or overtime. Detroit earned a point from the contest, while the chants surrounding Larkin created a separate storyline that extended beyond the result.Dylan Larkin's trade situation remains uncertain in DetroitLarkin's eight-year contract carries an $8.7 million average annual value and includes a full no-trade clause. That protection gives him substantial control over whether a potential moveReports have identified several U.S.-based teams in connection with his preferred destinations, including the Minnesota Wild, Florida Panthers, Vegas Golden Knights and Dallas Stars. Montreal, despite its fans' enthusiasm, has not been included among his reported preferred destinations. That distinction matters because a team having the assets to pursue a player does not guarantee that a trade can be completed.Detroit also has reasons to retain its leading center. Larkin remains an important offensive contributor, and trading him would leave the Red Wings with a significant gap at a key position, and the franchise is not obligated to move him simply because he has requested a trade, particularly if offers do not match the value the organization places on his contributions.For now, the contrast between Detroit's frustrated supporters and Montreal's enthusiastic chants captures the unusual position Larkin occupies in the NHL, and his trade request has created uncertainty, but neither the home boos nor the visiting fans' chants have changed the contractual realities. Unless Detroit and a potential acquiring team can find a workable path forward and Larkin agrees to it, his future remains unresolved.What Dylan Larkin's situation means for the Detroit Red WingsDylan Larkin's uncertain future presents the Detroit Red Wings with a difficult decision as the organization looks to remain competitive in the NHL, as the team's former captain and one of its most important offensive players, Larkin has played a central role in Detroit's efforts to return to playoff contention, and any decision involving his departure would therefore have implications beyond the immediate return in a potential trade.Larkin's offense, experience and leadership are valuable assets. Also, it's hard to replace a goal-scoring center who helps fuel the team's offense. Especially when you don't have another player like that in the organization.If Detroit does trade him, the front office will likely have to determine whether the package being offered features established NHL talent, promising prospects or draft picks that can help build the roster over the long term.The situation also shines a spotlight on the relationship between players and supporters. Larkin’s handling in Detroit showed how quickly fan sentiment can turn once a trade request becomes public.Meanwhile, the chants from Montreal showed that a player under fire in one market can still find plenty of support elsewhere. But fan interest alone does not determine where a player lands next.There is no clarity on Larkin’s future until those factors fall into place. For Detroit, the key will be weighing the value of keeping an established center against the possibility of rebuilding part of its roster through a trade.In Montreal, the chants are a sign of fan enthusiasm, not proof of an impending deal.Stay updated with the latest Asian Games 2026 news, check the Asian Games medal tally and complete Asian Games schedule.Get the latest Sports News and Live updates. Download the TOI app.