One long-running NHL trade request finally reached its conclusion last week when Connor Hellebuyck was dealt to the New Jersey Devils. Now the focus shifts completely toward the goalie's Team USA Olympic teammate, Dylan Larkin, who's still seeking an exit from the Detroit Red Wings.
Larkin, owner a full no-trade clause, started his push to leave Detroit with a list of three preferred destinations. He's expanded it twice, and it now includes 10 possible landing spots.
Chris Johnston of The Athletic reported Tuesday there are still a couple teams that'd love to land the center who've yet to crack the 30-year-old Michigan native's list.
"The Montreal Canadiens and Buffalo Sabres are two teams not currently on his trade list that have interest," Johnston wrote. "While everyone is making the best of an imperfect situation, it would be surprising if Larkin weren't moved at some point this season."
Both clubs make a ton of sense on paper. While it's unclear whether the Red Wings star will ever consider a move to a Canadian team, which has been the main hurdle for the Habs, it's less clear why he's yet to add Buffalo to his list.
The Sabres finished with the NHL's fourth-best record last season (50-23-9) and reached the second round of the 2026 Stanley Cup Playoffs. Their roster also features Tage Thompson, who played alongside Larkin during Team USA's run to a gold medal at the 2026 Winter Olympics.
Adding somebody capable of filling their longstanding void at first-line center is the single biggest move Buffalo could make to push closer to championship contention, and the reigning Atlantic Division champions need a spark amid a sluggish start (4-4-3).
Chad DeDominicis of Expected Buffalo reported Monday the Sabres "have had conversations with the Red Wings" despite not formally receiving Larkin's approval at this point.
"A few hurdles would need to be cleared and odds may be low but it's not zero," DeDominicis wrote.
So far, there's been no suggestion Larkin's latest additions to his list have significantly moved the needle for Detroit, which is understandably holding out for a sizable offer. The forward has continued to play in the meantime, posting six points (two goals and four assists) in 10 games.
It'll be interesting to see whether the 2014 first-round pick decides to consider more clubs at some point, especially if the 2027 NHL trade deadline moves closer without a resolution.
Dylan Larkin could shift the Atlantic Division's balance of power
The Florida Panthers and Tampa Bay Lightning, two of the top contenders in the loaded Atlantic Division, are already on Larkin's list. The Canadiens and Sabres are hoping to eventually receive the green light. The Red Wings also reside in one of sports' toughest divisions.
It's shaping up to become an intense battle for playoff spots in the Atlantic, and Larkin has the power to give any of those interested teams a significant boost.
The 6-foot-1 forward has recorded 649 points (278 goals and 371 assists) in 818 appearances across 12 years in Detroit. He's reached the 30-goal plateau six times, including each of the past five seasons, and he's also a valuable contributor in the faceoff circle (52.8% career).
Adding a player of his caliber to the Sabres' roster, which has been devoid of a bona fide No. 1 center since Jack Eichel departed the organization in 2021, would go a long way in helping the Blue and Gold offset the summer exit of Alex Tuch.
He'd give the Habs some more offensive firepower in the middle to take some pressure off Nick Suzuki, who's currently sidelined by injury.
When it comes to Florida and Tampa Bay, it'd be a case of the rich getting richer in terms off high-end talent, though it's a bit tougher to see a path for the Cats or Bolts to make a Larkin trade work. Things could always change the longer the situation lingers, though.
Then there's the possibility Larkin merely remains with the Red Wings. Detroit is off to a decent start (5-4-3) and could make the Atlantic eight teams deep for the remainder of the campaign.
So, it's truly a situation where one trade could have a substantial impact on the final NHL standings, and probably the league's Cup pursuit, too.
For now, Buffalo and Montreal are just waiting to see if their names final get called.
Add us as a preferred source on Google