Could Canadiens' key injury create opportunity for Red Wings, Larkin?

VANCOUVER, Canada — There's one team, apparently not on Dylan Larkin's list of teams he'd accept a trade to, who desperately need Larkin, or a player like him. The Montreal Canadiens have been a good fit from the day Larkin asked for a trade from the Red Wings in early June and remain so, now. Even more, now, as their No. 1 center, Nick Suzuki, is out two to four weeks with an upper-body injury. Suzuki appeared to hurt himself Tuesday, Oct. 20, injuring a hand after attempting to block a shot. More: Ron Duguay, former Red Wings forward, dies at age 69 Larkin reportedly has a list of 10 teams he'd agree to be traded, but Montreal never has appeared on the list. Interestingly, it's the Canadiens who are one of the few teams in the NHL who both have the type of young veteran players, and/or prospects that would entice the Wings to make a trade, and also have the salary cap space. But, again, Larkin doesn't appear motivated to play in Montreal. Can the Suzuki injury change things in any way? More: Carter Mazur's role grows as he adjusts to NHL life with Red Wings Montreal made it to the Eastern Conference Finals last season and could do so again this spring. But a ragged start (4-3-2), combined with the Suzuki injury and several players slumping, have made the situation a bit uneven to begin the season. Acquiring Larkin would be a significant Band-Aid to a lot of ills in Montreal. In fact, fans at the Oct. 10 game in Montreal when the Wings visited serenaded Larkin with "we want Larkin" chants from the first period onward to show their desire to have Larkin in the Canadiens' lineup. "It was interesting," Larkin said after the game. "I never would have imagined that in this building in my career, but they're passionate fans." tkulfan@detroitnews.com @tkulfan