yardbarker
The Detroit Red Wings are on the verge of suspending center Dylan Larkin without pay as the former captain continues to sit out games in anticipation of a trade. Larkin is not expected to suit up against the Chicago Blackhawks on Thursday night at Little Caesars Arena, and reports suggest he will remain sidelined indefinitely as negotiations persist.
His agent, Pat Brisson, issued a statement on Thursday declaring, "Dylan's had enough of the situation." Brisson further noted, "We believe he's been very professional and cooperative through this process."
The 30-year-old center initially requested a trade during the offseason and supplied the organization with a list of preferred destinations. That list has since grown to 10 teams: the Minnesota Wild, Florida Panthers, Vegas Golden Knights, Dallas Stars, Washington Capitals, Carolina Hurricanes, Utah Mammoth, Tampa Bay Lightning, New Jersey Devils, and Colorado Avalanche.
According to league sources, Minnesota has been among the most aggressive suitors. Other teams have expressed interest, but salary-cap limitations and Detroit's insistence on a robust return have hindered progress.
Larkin is in the fourth year of an eight-year, $69.6 million contract with an $8.7 million average annual value, running through the 2030-31 season. His no-trade clause restricts the market and grants him leverage in the process.
If the Red Wings suspend him for refusing to play, he would forfeit approximately $41,237 per day, per TSN reports. The scenario echoes that of goaltender Connor Hellebuyck, who forfeited significant pay while suspended by the Winnipeg Jets earlier this season before being traded.
This season, Larkin has recorded two goals and four assists for six points in 10 games, along with 32 shots on goal and a plus-3 rating while averaging 21 minutes and 41 seconds of ice time. He scored in a shootout victory over the Edmonton Oilers earlier this week.
A Waterford, Michigan native, Larkin has amassed 278 goals and 649 points in 818 games, all with Detroit after being selected 15th overall in the 2014 draft. He served as captain for six seasons before the organization removed the 'C' ahead of training camp.
Interim general manager Shawn Horcoff is expected to address the situation after head coach Todd McLellan confirmed Larkin would not dress Thursday. McLellan had described Wednesday's absence as a maintenance day before the full scope of the situation became clear.
Talks between Larkin's representatives and the Red Wings took place Wednesday night and again Thursday morning. Sources indicate the player feels he has given the team ample time since his initial request to complete a deal.
Detroit has been cautious about accepting a futures-heavy package and continues to evaluate options both on and off Larkin's preferred list. The organization has publicly stated that any move must benefit the team.
Larkin reported to camp and played the first 10 games of the regular season while the trade market developed. His decision to sit out now heightens the pressure on both sides as the season progresses.
The Red Wings hold a 5-4-3 record entering Thursday's game. Larkin's absence removes their top center and a key faceoff and power-play option from the lineup.
League observers note that the longer the holdout continues, the more daily salary Larkin stands to lose if a formal suspension is imposed. Both sides have indicated the situation remains fluid as additional teams are contacted.
Key Analysis
The impasse between Larkin and the Red Wings underscores the tension between a player's desire for a fresh start and a team's need for fair compensation. With Larkin's no-trade clause and the team's playoff aspirations, finding a resolution that satisfies both parties may prove challenging. The potential suspension adds a financial dimension that could accelerate trade discussions, but Detroit's demand for a strong return complicates matters. As the standoff drags on, the Red Wings risk losing leverage while Larkin faces mounting financial penalties.
Originally reported by yardbarker.