Sabres Attempt to Enter Dylan Larkin Trade Market Despite Being Off Approved List
Despite not being on Dylan Larkin’s approved list of 10 teams, the Buffalo Sabres have reportedly tried to enter the trade discussion, according to Elliotte Friedman. The effort faces major hurdles, including Larkin’s full no-trade clause and his high $8.7 million cap hit, which complicates roster fit. Detroit has suspended Larkin without pay, signaling a firm stance in seeking a trade while maintaining control over the process.
On October 29, 2026, the Buffalo Sabres made an unexpected move into the Dylan Larkin trade discussion despite not being on his approved list of 10 teams, according to Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman. Larkin, a 30-year-old center with an $8.7 million annual cap hit through the 2030–31 season, has a full no-trade clause, meaning any trade requires his explicit consent. The Detroit Red Wings, having suspended him without pay after he informed them he would no longer play for the team, are actively seeking a trade but maintain control over the process. The Sabres’ attempt to enter the market appears to be a strategic gamble, potentially aiming to leverage fan pressure—Friedman humorously suggested a home game against Minnesota where fans chant “We want Larkin”—to influence Larkin’s list. However, the financial burden of Larkin’s salary makes roster fit a significant challenge, especially for a team like Buffalo that must balance cap space with long-term planning. Interim GM Shawn Horcoff has acknowledged the difficulty in fitting such a high-priced player into any of the teams on Larkin’s approved list, and the Red Wings are prepared to wait until conditions align.
The situation reflects a broader trend in NHL free agency and trades where player autonomy is increasingly prioritized, especially for high-profile veterans. Larkin’s refusal to play and subsequent suspension signal a breakdown in team-player relations, possibly rooted in dissatisfaction with Detroit’s direction or per
The Larkin trade saga underscores how player agency is reshaping NHL roster dynamics, particularly in high-profile cases where financial commitments and personal preferences collide. If Larkin’s suspension continues, it could set a precedent for how teams manage players who refuse to play, potentially leading to more frequent suspensions or forced trades when contracts are large and difficult to move. The Sabres’ attempt to enter the market despite being excluded highlights the competitive desperation among teams in rebuilding phases, especially those seeking elite talent without immediate cap flexibility. This situation may influence future trade negotiations by reinforcing the importance of player approval lists and increasing scrutiny on team management’s ability to accommodate high-salary players. A comparable earlier case is the 2019 trade of Patrick Kane from Chicago to Colorado, where player preference played a key role in finalizing the deal despite significant cap implications