Pierre LeBrun just reported that other teams believe the Red Wings could land a better Dylan Larkin trade with clubs outside his 10-team list, and the Bruins are named.
Boston was already floated as a team trying to get in on Larkin, which we covered when the Bruins were named among teams chasing Dylan Larkin. This is a different piece of the puzzle.
LeBrun's note, as relayed by NHL Rumour Report, says other teams think there are 6 to 8 clubs beyond that list that Detroit believes it could make a better deal with. He named the Canadiens, Boston, Buffalo and Los Angeles.
In plain terms, Larkin's list is not necessarily the end of the market. Detroit may see more value elsewhere, and the Bruins sit in that group.
David Pagnotta pushed the same idea. He said teams like Montreal, Buffalo and Boston, along with others not on Larkin's list, are telling Detroit to call if a deal can be made, and that they're "just kinda waiting."
Nothing in either report gives trade terms, and there is no word on what Detroit wants back. Treat it as league chatter, not a negotiation.
Why Boston would even need Larkin
On the ice, the Bruins don't look like a team desperate for a move. They're 12-4-1, second in the NHL and first in the Atlantic, with a +24 goal differential.
They also just beat Pittsburgh 6-2 on Thursday night for their third straight win. Detroit, meanwhile, is 7-7-3 and has lost two in a row, including a 2-1 home loss to Vegas.
That contrast matters. A contender kicking tires on a center is one thing, and a team in the middle of the pack deciding what to do with its captain is another. Boston would be shopping from strength.
The sticking point is the price. On Nov. 3 we reported that the Bruins told teams James Hagens and Fraser Minten are off limits.
Those are the two young centers who would be the obvious names in any package. Hagens has 12 points in 17 games this season, and Minten has 11 points and 2 game-winning goals.
If Detroit wants a better return than its list offers, Boston will have to find a way to pay without touching either of them. That's a hard sell, and a smart Bruins front office should refuse to bend on it.
Boston's next game is Sunday, Nov. 8, at home against the Panthers. Detroit plays Saturday at Colorado, and the Larkin noise isn't going away before then.
Quick hits
TORONTO MAPLE LEAFSJohn Tavares returns to the lineup against the Canadiens on Saturday, but as a winger, according to Jonas Siegel. A new look for a familiar face.
LOS ANGELES KINGSPeter Laviolette says Alex Turcotte has progressed back to "day-to-day," with Kevin Fiala not far behind, per Zach Dooley. Good news for a banged-up group.
ST-LOUIS BLUESJeremy Rutherford reports the Blues have recalled Logan Mailloux from his conditioning assignment ahead of the Nashville game.
MINNESOTA WILDMichael Russo reports Marcus Foligno and Nick Foligno won't play tonight against the Sharks. Two familiar names out of the lineup.
NEW YORK RANGERSNHL Rosters reports the Rangers activated Joonas Korpisalo from IR and assigned James Reimer to Hartford. The goalie picture just got clearer.
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