Suggested Blockbuster Sees Sabres Land Red Wings’ Larkin

Larkin reportedly gave the Red Wings a list of 10 teams he would accept a trade to, and all of them are contending teams who may not be able to clear the cap space to make a move, unless they’re willing to part with an important piece of their own.

One team that isn’t on that list is the Buffalo Sabres, but reports from around the team indicate the Sabres and Red Wings have had discussions about Larkin.

It may not be the most likely landing spot for Larkin, but it seems as though it is a real possibility. With that in mind, let’s take a quick look at what a potential deal could look like, if the Sabres end up acquiring Larkin.

While the reports indicate they have had discussions, no deal is complete, and the following deal is just a hypothetical idea.

Sabres Add Star in Larkin, Red Wings Get Solid Trade Return

Of course, Larkin would have to be willing to accept a trade to the Sabres, but if he does, the Sabres have the assets to entice the Red Wings to make a move. On top of that, Larkin does have an $8 million cap hit, so the Sabres would have to move money out, but they have more flexibility than other teams that could be in the mix for him.

Realistically, the Sabres would have to move some solid pieces, including a young player with promise, a current player who is valuable and can help the Red Wings right now, and some draft capital.

Realistically, a deal between the two teams could look like this:

• Sabres Receive: F Dylan Larkin
• Red Wings Receive: F Ryan McLeod, D Radim Mrtka, Sabres’ 2027 first-round pick, Sabres’ 2027 third-round pick, Sabres’ 2030 first-round pick

Ryan McLeod steps into the Red Wings’ middle-six immediately and adds some speed and depth scoring. He has struggled a bit this season, and a fresh start seems inevitable for him, but he is a solid centre that can win faceoffs and provide some stability down the middle.

Radim Mrtka was the Sabres’ 9th overall selection in the 2025 NHL Entry Draft, and at just 19 years old, he has a ton of potential and a long future ahead of him. He has no points through 10 games in the American Hockey League (AHL) this season, but considering his name has come up in trade speculation for a while, it seems possible that he would be included in any deal for Larkin.

We’ll see what team ends up landing Larkin, but it is a matter of time before he gets traded, and if Larkin ever becomes open to joining the Sabres, it seems like a realistic possibility that they’d be interested in getting a deal done.

As the 2026-27 season moves along, be sure to continue following The Hockey Writers as your source for news, updates, and more from around the NHL and the hockey world.