bostonglobe
DETROIT — The Detroit Red Wings have taken disciplinary action against forward Dylan Larkin, suspending him without pay after the player stated he would no longer suit up for the organization. Head coach Todd McLellan confirmed to reporters that Larkin would not be in the lineup for Thursday night's home game against the Chicago Blackhawks, and indicated that interim general manager Shawn Horcoff would likely comment on the situation.
Larkin, 30, had requested a trade during the offseason after the franchise's playoff drought reached ten years, but he began the current campaign still with the team—though he was relieved of his captaincy. The center, a native of Waterford, Michigan, has recorded two goals and four assists in 10 games this season. Over 818 career games since debuting with his hometown Red Wings in 2015-16, he has amassed 278 goals and 649 points.
Detroit selected Larkin with the No. 15 overall pick in the 2014 NHL Draft after he played college hockey for the University of Michigan. He was a key contributor for the United States when the Americans captured Olympic gold last February at the Milan Cortina Games.
After sitting out two games with an upper-body injury, Larkin scored in his season debut—despite being booed when he first touched the puck on his opening shift—helping Detroit defeat Ottawa. He found the net again on Monday night in a win at Edmonton.
Larkin's eight-year contract includes a full no-trade clause and has five years remaining, carrying an annual salary cap hit of $8.7 million. He initially informed the Red Wings he would accept a trade to Florida, Minnesota, and Vegas, but reportedly expanded his list of acceptable destinations in recent weeks.
Meanwhile, nearly a month into the season, standout defenseman Simon Edvinsson remains unsigned as a restricted free agent. The 23-year-old Swede posted nine goals and 25 points in 72 games last year, his second full NHL season. Detroit drafted him No. 6 overall in 2021, and he has accumulated 19 career goals and 60 points in 175 games.
In need of positive news two weeks ago, the Red Wings signed two-time All-Star forward Alex DeBrincat to a seven-year contract worth $13 million per season.
Key Analysis
The suspension of Dylan Larkin without pay marks a significant escalation in the standoff between the franchise and its former captain. Larkin's decision to stop playing, coupled with his earlier trade request, signals a deepening rift that could force the Red Wings to accelerate trade discussions. The team's on-ice struggles and the unresolved contract situation with Simon Edvinsson add further pressure on management to stabilize the roster.
Originally reported by bostonglobe.