Larkin trade buzz grows, Fowler surging — Canadiens evening report

Trade speculation takes centre stage around the Canadiens this evening. According to Sportsnet, a deal that would bring Detroit Red Wings captain Dylan Larkin to Montreal remains possible, even though the asking price is described as “prohibitive.” Sportsnet notes that the Red Wings are heavily scouting the Canadiens, and that Montreal has the assets required to get such a trade done if it ever moves beyond the rumour stage.

Another Sportsnet discussion focuses on Larkin’s no-trade clause. If he were to waive it for Montreal, the question then becomes how quickly a trade could actually happen. The Hockey Writers, for its part, looks at what the Canadiens could potentially offer Detroit in a Larkin deal, though the headline doesn’t spell out the specific pieces being discussed.

Fowler’s statement week and a deck shuffled in Texas

While the rumour mill spins, Jacob Fowler is doing plenty to keep attention on what’s happening in the crease. Sportsnet points to his impressive 6-1 record through seven games and wonders if the Canadiens rookie is already building a case as an early Calder Trophy contender. The Hockey News highlights his 46-save shutout in Tuesday’s 2–0 win over the St. Louis Blues, and Eyes on the Prize calls it a statement game, noting that Montreal was outshot 46–20 on the road.

Back on the team front, La Presse reports that the Canadiens are “shuffling their cards in Texas,” even though things are going well. The headline doesn’t reveal what is being changed, but the idea is that the coaching staff isn’t standing pat just because of a good start; they’re looking for ways to make a strong opening stretch even better.

Next up: Stars on Thursday, long road ahead

The Hockey Writers also published a league-wide piece naming each NHL team’s most overlooked player, including someone on the Canadiens, though the headline doesn’t specify who. In francophone media, La Presse invited fans to a live Q&A with Mathias Brunet about the Canadiens and the NHL and now offers the full chat to read back.

In the standings, the Canadiens sit second in the Atlantic Division with 16 points in 12 games (7-3-2). Next up is another tough Central Division test: Montreal visits the Dallas Stars on Thursday at 8 p.m. Eastern. With Larkin rumours swirling and Fowler making noise in the Calder conversation, that game in Dallas will be another early-season checkpoint for where this team truly stands.