Detroit Red Wings suspend Dylan Larkin after agent signals trade request
The organization removed the center from the roster on Thursday, citing his agent's claim that he will no longer play for the franchise.
By Ivan Mori ·
The Detroit Red Wings suspended center Dylan Larkin without pay on Thursday.
The team also removed him from the roster after his agent informed the franchise that the player will no longer suit up for Detroit. General Manager Steve Yzerman expressed disappointment with the decision, noting Larkin's obligations to the organization and his teammates. This communication came shortly before the Red Wings hosted the Chicago Blackhawks.
Coach Todd McLellan confirmed Larkin would not play in the Thursday night matchup. He indicated that the general manager would address the move directly with reporters. The suspension follows a period of frustration for the franchise, which has struggled to move Larkin since he requested a trade months earlier. The team's postseason drought extended to a decade during the previous campaign, leaving Larkin to start the new season without the captaincy.
Larkin, a 30-year-old native of Waterford, Michigan, has recorded two goals and six assists in 10 games this season. His career totals stand at 278 goals and 649 points across 818 games since his debut in 2015-16. The center was drafted 15th overall by Detroit in 2014 after playing for the University of Michigan. He recently helped the United States win Olympic gold at the Milan Cortina Games in February.
His contract structure complicates any potential exit. Larkin holds a full no-trade clause within an eight-year deal that has five years remaining. The annual salary cap hit for the player is $8.7 million. He previously identified Florida, Minnesota, and Vegas as acceptable trade destinations before reportedly expanding his list of preferred teams in recent weeks.
The suspension arrives as the Red Wings navigate other roster issues. Defenseman Simon Edvinsson, a restricted free agent, remains unsigned nearly a month into the season. The 23-year-old Swede posted nine goals and 25 points in 72 games last year. Detroit selected him sixth overall in 2021. Meanwhile, the franchise recently secured forward Alex DeBrincat with a seven-year contract worth $13 million annually to bolster its lineup.
