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In a stunning development, the Detroit Red Wings have suspended veteran center Dylan Larkin without pay, effective October 29, after the player informed the organization he would no longer suit up as he seeks a trade. Interim general manager Shawn Horcoff made the announcement just hours before the Red Wings were set to host the Chicago Blackhawks at Little Caesars Arena.
Horcoff expressed the team's disappointment in a statement, saying, "Dylan Larkin has informed us that he will no longer play for the Detroit Red Wings. We are disappointed by his decision, particularly given his obligations to the organization and his teammates. We have therefore suspended Dylan without pay." The 30-year-old Larkin will forfeit $41,237.11 for each day he remains suspended.
Larkin, who has five years left on an eight-year contract with an average annual value of $8.7 million, has been a model of consistency, scoring at least 30 goals in each of the past five seasons. His agent, Pat Brisson, revealed that his client is frustrated with the slow pace of trade negotiations and hopes the refusal to play will expedite a deal. "Dylan's had enough of the situation," Brisson said. "We believe he's been very professional and cooperative through this process."
Larkin requested a trade in June, but the Red Wings have been unable to find a suitable partner among the 10 teams on his approved trade list, as he possesses a no-trade clause. Horcoff reiterated the team's stance: "We will continue to explore trade opportunities involving Dylan. In addition to needing his approval, any trade must also be in the best interests of the Detroit Red Wings and support the organization's long-term goals."
The situation has been brewing for months. The Red Wings stripped Larkin of his captaincy before training camp, and he missed the preseason and the first two regular-season games with an upper-body injury. Upon his return, he was booed by the home fans. Larkin has not publicly disclosed the specific reasons for his trade request, citing personal matters. "There's a lot of personal stuff," he said during training camp in September. "It wasn't easy to get to that decision."
Reports suggest Larkin grew frustrated with then-general manager Steve Yzerman's lack of moves at the 2025 trade deadline, leading to a strained relationship. The Red Wings have also missed the playoffs for 10 consecutive seasons, all with Larkin on the roster. Despite their differences, Larkin has expressed respect for Yzerman and emphasized that his request had nothing to do with his teammates. He also acknowledged that losing the captaincy was a consequence of his decision.
The suspension comes on the heels of apparent optimism within the organization. Larkin did not practice on October 28, but head coach Todd McLellan called it a maintenance day and expressed hope that Larkin would play on October 29. Additionally, Jimmy Devellano, the team's alternate governor and longtime executive, stated last week that the two sides had reached a middle ground after the summer trade request, saying they had "kissed and made up." Larkin's last game may have been the October 26 shootout victory in Edmonton, where he scored a late goal to force overtime.
Key Analysis
The Red Wings now face a precarious situation with their former captain suspended and trade talks stalled. The team must navigate Larkin's no-trade clause and find a deal that benefits both parties, all while dealing with the uncertainty surrounding unsigned defenseman Simon Edvinsson, who must sign an NHL contract by December 1 to be eligible to play this season. Trade speculation involving Edvinsson has intensified in recent days, adding another layer of complexity to an already turbulent season in Detroit.
Originally reported by yahoo.