Atlantic Division team desperate to trade for Dylan Larkin, and it's not the Canadiens

That line has been circulating around the rumor mill, and the recent reporting lines up with it.

Elliotte Friedman said on his 32 Thoughts podcast Thursday that several clubs are pushing hard to be added to Larkin's approved destinations, and he named Buffalo as one of them.

Chris Johnston has also reported that the Sabres and Canadiens are both interested despite sitting outside the list.

That list is the issue. Larkin holds a full no-trade clause and has given Detroit 10 teams he would accept a deal to. Buffalo is not among them.

Detroit Sports Nation reports he has been suspended without pay since Oct. 29, after telling the club he no longer wants to be part of the organization, so the standoff is far from cooling.

Still, the Sabres appear ready to push. Sabre Noise reported that Buffalo has already made a sizable offer, and Friedman has confirmed that Detroit would bring any strong proposal to Larkin's camp.

Buffalo also has Tage Thompson, one of his Olympic teammates, which could help the pitch.

Speculation from The Hockey News suggests Buffalo would likely have to part with Jack Quinn, top defensive prospect Radim Mrtka and multiple draft picks.

Reporting has also pointed to an Atlantic Division tax, meaning Detroit may demand extra from a divisional rival. Whether Larkin is worth that price is a fair debate, and even the Sabres' best offer is moot unless he agrees to waive his clause.

For now, Buffalo is in a waiting game. The Sabres missed out on Connor Hellebuyck, and with Larkin able to step in as a number one center, the fit is easy to see on paper.

Larkin has already expanded his list twice, so another change could open the door quickly. Until then, Buffalo's interest remains just that, and Larkin holds every card.

Also read on House Of Hockey :
Gavin McKenna gets painfully honest about his Maple Leafs teammates