Elliotte Friedman believes the Bruins are still trying to get on Dylan Larkin's trade list, but the Red Wings captain reportedly hasn't budged.
Boston sits first in the Atlantic Division and third in the NHL with a 12-4-1 record. On paper, that should make the Bruins an attractive destination for a player like Larkin, who has a say in where he ends up.
Friedman suggested Boston is among the teams trying to convince Larkin to widen his list of acceptable destinations. Buffalo, Montreal and St. Louis are reportedly pushing too.
Darren Dreger added that Detroit director of pro scouting Kris Draper attended Boston's recent game against Vegas. That's a detail worth watching, even if it doesn't prove a deal is close.
The problem is the list. Larkin has given Detroit 10 teams, and his camp reportedly believes the Red Wings can work something out with one of them. Boston apparently isn't on it.
Detroit can keep exploring, but nothing happens without Larkin's approval.
This has been building all week. We told you Wednesday about Larkin linked to the Bruins and Canadiens, and then Friday Friedman named the Bruins in the Larkin chase.
Why Larkin would fit Boston's push
Larkin is 30 and has 649 points over 818 NHL games. This season he has 2 goals and 4 assists in 10 games, with both assists coming on the power play.
Those aren't monster numbers, but the Bruins don't need a savior. They have scored 64 goals and allowed 40, a +24 goal differential, and they've won three straight after a 6-2 win at Pittsburgh on Thursday.
Marco Sturm has a team that is 7-1-0 at home and 7-2-1 over its last 10. Adding a center of Larkin's pedigree would be a luxury move, and Don Sweeney would have to decide how much to pay for one.
Frankly, chasing a player who has not listed you is a long shot, and the Bruins shouldn't overpay to change his mind. This team is winning without him.
Detroit is 7-7-3 and sits 20th in the NHL, so the Red Wings have their own decisions to make as they play at Colorado today. Boston hosts Florida on Sunday, and whether Larkin's list ever grows is the question hanging over everything.
Quick hits
MINNESOTA WILDMichael Russo reports that Michael McCarron went down the tunnel late in tonight's 4-1 win over the Sharks. No update yet, and that's a worry for Minnesota.
ANAHEIM DUCKSCutter Gauthier scored the go-ahead goal as the Ducks rallied to beat the Flames 5-3 in Calgary tonight. A big road comeback.
CALGARY FLAMESThe Flames' five-game winning streak is over. The Ducks rallied for a 5-3 win at the Saddledome.
SAN JOSE SHARKSMacklin Celebrini tied it tonight, but San Jose fell 4-1 at Minnesota for a fourth straight loss. That skid is getting ugly.
BUFFALO SABRESThe Sabres beat Columbus 5-2 at home, and Josh Norris scored twice. Buffalo is one of the teams chasing Larkin, too.
Should the Bruins keep chasing Dylan Larkin even though Boston isn't on his list?
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