If Dylan Larkin changes his mind about accepting a trade to the Montreal Canadiens, the Detroit Red Wings will be ready. According to TSN’s Pierre LeBrun, the Red Wings have been actively scouting the Canadiens. Detroit’s Director of Professional Scouting, Kris Draper, is at tonight’s game between the Canadiens and the Chicago Blackhawks, just in case Larkin changes his mind.

Still, Larkin hasn’t budged so far, at least in the Canadian market. Originally listing the Florida Panthers, Minnesota Wild, and Vegas Golden Knights, Larkin has since expanded his list to include the Carolina Hurricanes, Colorado Avalanche, Dallas Stars, New Jersey Devils, Tampa Bay Lightning, Utah Mammoth, and Washington Capitals.

The complicating factor is that every team on Larkin’s list has limited cap space and would essentially need to execute a money-in, money-out deal. However, he received a warm reception in Detroit’s first matchup in Montreal this year. On the off-chance he expands his list to include the Canadiens, a deal should come together relatively quickly.

Additional notes from the Atlantic Division:

Sticking with Detroit, the Red Wings lost starting netminder John Gibson to an upper-body injury against the Vancouver Canucks last night. Detroit is currently on a road trip through the Pacific Division, so it could be a few days before more is known about Gibson’s status. His exit allowed Michal Postava to make his NHL debut, and he finished the game stopping seven of eight shots.
The Red Wings aren’t the only Atlantic Division team with injury concerns. In last night’s game against the Pittsburgh Penguins, Florida Panthers blue liner Gustav Forsling left the contest early after taking a puck to the face (via team reporter Jameson Olive). Florida doesn’t play again until Sunday, so more on Forsling’s status should be revealed after practice tomorrow.
According to Bill Hoppe of Buffalo Hockey, Buffalo Sabres forward Jiri Kulich is questionable for the team’s road trip after suffering an injury in practice. Hoppe specified that Kulich took a puck to the face during a power-play drill. Kulich has scored one goal and three points in eight games this season.