The Dylan Larkin trade speculation continues, the Senators seek scoring help, and the latest on Capitals winger Ivan Miroshnichenko in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.

MORE DYLAN LARKIN SPECULATION

DETROIT HOCKEY NOW: Dylan Larkin’s absence from practice on Wednesday prompted speculation that the 30-year-old Red Wings center was finally getting traded. However, it turned out to be a false alarm, as Larkin was merely taking a “maintenance day”. He’s expected to be in the lineup for Thursday’s game against the Chicago Blackhawks.

THE ATHLETIC: Max Bultman recently looked at the 10 teams on Larkin’s trade list to identify the ones with the assets (talented young players, high draft picks, NHL roster talent) to meet the Red Wings’ asking price.

Detroit Red Wings center Dylan Larkin (NHL Images)

Bultman believes the Utah Mammoth, Washington Capitals, and Dallas Stars possess those assets, but he wondered if they possess the will to make that move.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Minnesota Wild are believed to be Larkin’s preferred destination, but Bultman ranked them fourth, placing them among his second tier as “possible, but lacking sizzle” in terms of assets.

It’s rumored the Wild could offer a package with young forward Danila Yurov and top prospect Charlie Stramel, but Bultman believes if that were good enough, Larkin would already be in Minnesota.

SPORTSNET: Eric Engels noted the recent speculation linking Larkin to the Montreal Canadiens despite them not being on his trade list. He pointed out that Red Wings pro scout Kris Draper has been following the Canadiens recently, and believes the Habs have the assets to pay “an exorbitant price” for a second-line center.

Engels suggests it doesn’t make sense for Draper to be scouting the Canadiens as much as he has lately if Larkin won’t accept a trade to Montreal. The only other reason might be if this is to set up a move involving unsigned Red Wings defenseman Simon Edvinsson.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: It would be hilarious if all this is for Edvinsson instead of Larkin.

Here are a few crazy thoughts. Just me thinking out loud about all the recent speculation tying Larkin to the Canadiens.

First, what if this is part of a three-team deal that sends Larkin to the Wild, or another club on his trade list? I’m not sure what the Canadiens would get back in that scenario that would be worthwhile, but it’s not the first time Habs general manager Kent Hughes got involved in a three-team trade (Erik Karlsson to Pittsburgh). Maybe those assets would be flipped to another club to bring in a top-six winger if a center isn’t available?

Or maybe this is about acquiring Edvinsson, though adding another left-shot defenseman doesn’t work for the Canadiens unless they’re moving Kaiden Guhle in the deal. They’d also have to move out more salary to take on what could be a $12 million AAV for Edvinsson’s new contract. Even then, that move would cost assets and cap space necessary to add that elusive forward.

It could also be a three-team deal that flips Edvinsson elsewhere for a top-six forward, preferably a center.

Or maybe it’s only speculation about which clubs are reportedly on Larkin’s trade list. Maybe he has a broader list than we were led to believe. Or maybe it’s all BS that he doesn’t want to play for Montreal or another Canadian team.

Or maybe all of this media chatter linking Larkin to Montreal is baseless.

I share the opinion of The Montreal Gazette’s Stu Cowan: “If Larkin was willing to waive his Canadian no-trade clause to get out of Detroit, I’d be concerned about how a player who really didn’t want to be in Montreal would fit in the Canadiens’ locker room.”

Feel free to share your thoughts in the comment section below.

SENATORS SEEK A SCORING FORWARD

OTTAWA SUN: Bruce Garrioch reports Senators GM Steve Staios is working the phones to add another scoring forward. He was doing so before Warren Foegele was injured during Tuesday’s 4-1 loss to the Vegas Golden Knights.

The Senators need a forward who can fit into their top nine and contribute offensively. However, there isn’t much talent available in the trade market right now.

Garrioch listed Chicago Blackhawks winger Teuvo Teravainen, Detroit Red Wings forwards Andrew Copp and Michael Rasmussen, and recently demoted Boston Bruins forward Michael Eyssimont.

The Philadelphia Flyers, Nashville Predators, and Pittsburgh Penguins are reportedly open for business, but they’re seeking “hockey trades” involving meaningful assets in return.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Maybe Staios could look into Dylan Larkin’s availability. OK, I’m being facetious, but hey, just because Ottawa’s not on his trade list doesn’t necessarily mean he doesn’t wanna go there, right? RIGHT??

THE LATEST ON CAPITALS WINGER IVAN MIROSHNICHENKO

CHICAGO HOCKEY NOW: Jack Bushman cited a report by The Fourth Period’s Dave Pagnotta, who claimed the Blackhawks are among several teams interested in young Washington Capitals winger Ivan Miroshnichenko.

The Calgary Flames, Seattle Kraken, and Philadelphia Flyers have also been linked to the 22-year-old Miroshnichenko.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Miroshnichenko is a promising youngster with top-six forward potential who has had difficulty cracking a deep Capitals roster this season. He and his agent have been permitted to speak with other clubs.

Rebuilding clubs like the Blackhawks, Flames, and Flyers can give Miroshnichenko the playing time he needs. The Kraken are in the market for scoring, and they could take the chance on him blossoming into a scoring star. Maybe the Senators might want to look into his availability.