Could Dylan Larkin accept a trade to the Canadiens? Should the Lightning pursue him? Could trade rumors about Zach Werenski start up again? Find out in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.

THE LATEST ON DYLAN LARKIN

NHL ON TNT: Jackie Redmond asked Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman if there was any chance that Detroit Red Wings center Dylan Larkin might expand his 10-team trade list.

Friedman suggested that the game the Red Wings played against the Canadiens in Montreal earlier this month, where Canadiens fans chanted his name, “moved the needle a bit”, but not to the point where he says yes to Larkin in Montreal.

Detroit Red Wings center Dylan Larkin (NHL Images)

The only way he thinks it might happen is if the two teams were in a position where they felt they could make a deal, and go to Larkin to see if he’d agree to it.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: It obviously didn’t “move the needle” enough for Larkin to include the Canadiens among his 10 preferred destinations. Assuming he’d include them if he broadens his list again, the fact he never deemed the Habs worthy of being among his previous choices suggests they’d be his last resort.

And really, is that the type of player you want to pursue? “Oh well, if they’re the only team I can go to right now, okay, I guess so…”

I understand why the Canadiens remain interested in Larkin. But at some point, you’ve got to accept that he’s just not into you and move on. Save your assets for better options later in the season.

SPORTSNET: Turning to teams on Larkin’s trade list, Michael Amato believes the Tampa Bay Lightning should make a major push to acquire the 30-year-old center.

Amato noted that Lightning general manager Julien BriseBois has a well-deserved reputation for going all-in. They’ve been a perennial contender, they’re off to another good start, and Larkin could put them over the top and back on track to win another Stanley Cup.

However, Amato acknowledged the challenge BriseBois faces building a suitable trade offer and freeing up salary-cap space to add Larkin. He suggested building a package around futures such as Conor Geekie, other prospects, and first-round picks.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Geekie fits the Red Wings’ rumored asking price of a young center (or centers) as part of the return for Larkin. Cap space would be the most difficult hurdle to clear.

The Bolts have $3.17 million in current cap space, meaning they’ll have to shed significant salary now to make room for Larkin’s $8.7 million average annual value. And no, the Red Wings won’t retain half.

The Bolts could wait until the March 1 trade deadline, when they’ll have accrued over $12 million in cap space, but Larkin could be long gone by then.

COULD TRADE RUMORS START SWIRLING ABOUT ZACH WERENSKI AGAIN?

SPORTSNET: Michael Amato wondered if defenseman Zach Werenski will soon reappear in the rumor mill if the Columbus Blue Jackets fail to improve.

Werenski at least thought seriously about trade options last summer, to the point that GM Don Waddell fielded trade offers for him. Ultimately, the pair released a statement in which the reigning Norris Trophy winner reiterated his commitment to the Blue Jackets.

However, the Jackets have started poorly this season. Amato noted that they’re not in a great position cap-wise, and lack difference-makers on their roster. Winger Dmitri Voronkov recently surfaced in the rumor mill as a trade candidate.

Werenski is signed through 2027-28, but the Blue Jackets will want to know if he’ll be willing to sign a contract extension. However, the club is running out of time to show him that they can become a winner.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: If the Blue Jackets miss the playoffs again, Werenski’s a goner next summer. And I wouldn’t blame him. He’s spent 11 seasons with the Jackets, but apart from a few promising seasons earlier in his career, they’ve been mired in mediocrity.

Werenski turns 30 next July and only has a few seasons left before his performance inevitably declines. Like other players in similar situations (hello there, Dylan Larkin), he wants to play for a winner while he’s still in his prime.

If Werenseki goes, bigger changes could soon follow for the Blue Jackets. Their fans deserve better than what they’ve endured since the franchise’s inception in 2000-01.