Buffalo Sabres

Canadiens and Sabres Want Dylan Larkin. Is a Trade Twist Coming?

Canadiens and Sabres have interest in Dylan Larkin, but neither is on his trade list. Here’s what it could mean for Detroit.

by
NHL Trade Talk
October 27, 2026

The Dylan Larkin trade saga may be about to take a turn, and it involves two teams the Detroit Red Wings center hasn’t put on his list: the Buffalo Sabres and Montreal Canadiens.

According to The Athletic’s Chris Johnston, the Canadiens and Sabres both have interest in Larkin, and Johnston describes them as teams “not currently on his trade list.” That matters because Larkin has only said he’d waive his no-trade clause for 10 clubs.

He writes:

“He’s indicated a willingness to waive his no-trade clause for 10 teams and may yet have to expand that list further to facilitate a deal that nets Detroit the right mix of assets in return. The Montreal Canadiens and Buffalo Sabres are two teams not currently on his trade list that have interest. While everyone is making the best of an imperfect situation, it would be surprising if Larkin weren’t moved at some point this season.”

In other words, Johnston suggests Larkin will change his mind at some point.

Larkin Sabres Canadiens Red Wings — Larkin could eventually waive his no trade for one of the Sabres or Canadiens

The Canadiens and Sabres Both Make Sense

Montreal and Buffalo could be natural fits. Larkin has scored 30 goals in five straight seasons, and he’s an elite skater who would slot into almost any lineup as a center. Teams looking for help down the middle will see an obvious target. For the Canadiens, it’s clear they’d like to fill that hole. GM Kent Hughes has been looking for some time and reports are they’ve had their eyes on Larkin. So much so, they’ve got a trade locked and loaded for the moment Larkin says he’s good to go. For the Sabres, they’ve spoken with the Wings and can put together a package that would interest them.

The open question is whether Larkin would be willing to add either destination. The more teams he approves, the stronger Detroit’s hand in negotiations.

The Red Wings and Larkin Have to Make a Decision Soon

In the meantime, the situation in Detroit remains uncomfortable. Larkin has fielded a steady stream of questions about his unfulfilled trade request this fall and has been booed by fans at Little Caesars Arena. There is a sense that these two sides could make up, but the longer this goes without Larkin rescinding his trade request, the more impatient everyone will become.

Johnston says Larkin does still want out. That hasn’t changed.

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