Two Canadiens players emerge in reported trade price for Dylan Larkin

Detroit Red Wings forward Dylan Larkin (71) celebrates after scoring a goal against Montreal Canadiens goalie Sam Montembeault (35) during the first period at the Bell Centre.

What would a trade bringing Dylan Larkin to the Montreal Canadiens look like?

According to multiple reports, prospect Michael Hage would be at the center of the asking price.

Speculation intensified the day after Larkin’s trade request.

The Red Wings captain has asked to leave Detroit.

Naturally, the Canadiens are among the teams dreaming of adding that type of player. A top-line center is exactly what Montreal has been searching for over the past several years to support captain Nick Suzuki.

But a player of that caliber does not come cheap.

Pierre LeBrun pointed to a past precedent to temper expectations.

The insider referenced the costly trade that sent Martin St. Louis to the Rangers.

Coincidentally, that deal was completed by the current Red Wings general manager, Steve Yzerman.

In other words, Yzerman has a history of demanding a significant return.

Larkin would likely be no exception, regardless of the buyer.

Why does Hage’s name keep coming up in the discussion?

Because the prospect reportedly has numerous ties to the Red Wings organization.

Kaiden Guhle or David Reinbacher to complete the package

According to Darren Dreger, Hage would need to be part of the deal, and the Canadiens could also be required to include a player from their current roster.

Marco D’Amico shares the same view.

He also sees Hage as the centerpiece of a trade for the Red Wings captain.

The analyst took the idea a step further.

He suggested that the Montreal Canadiens might have to add Kaiden Guhle or David Reinbacher, for example, along with a first-round pick.

Ouch.

It remains to be seen whether Kent Hughes would consider that price acceptable.

Larkin produces close to 70 points per season and is signed at $8.7 million through 2030-31, a reasonable contract in a league where the salary cap continues to rise.