The Buffalo Sabres have received a reality check in their reported pursuit of Detroit Red Wings captain Dylan Larkin, according to a story published Wednesday by Heavy.com's Billy Heyen. The Sabres, who have been linked to the 28-year-old center in trade speculation, appear to have discovered that acquiring the Red Wings' franchise cornerstone would require a prohibitive price tag or may not be feasible at all.
Larkin, a Michigan native and the 15th overall pick in the 2014 NHL Draft, has spent his entire nine-season career with Detroit. He was named captain in 2021 and signed an eight-year, $69.6 million contract extension in 2023 that carries an $8.7 million average annual value through 2030-31. The deal includes a full no-movement clause, giving Larkin complete control over any potential trade.
Buffalo, currently in a rebuilding phase with a young core led by Tage Thompson, Rasmus Dahlin, and Owen Power, has been searching for a veteran center to anchor their top line. Larkin's two-way play, leadership, and local ties made him a natural target, but Detroit's reluctance to move their captain — combined with his contract structure — has likely ended any serious discussion.
