Detroit Red Wings Place Dylan Larkin on Suspension

Detroit Red Wings fans will no longer see Dylan Larkin in a home jersey for the time being. The organization suspended the center without pay and removed him from the active roster on Thursday. This action followed a statement from Larkin's agent that the player will no longer play for the franchise.

Interim general manager Shawn Horcoff confirmed the move in a statement issued shortly before the Red Wings hosted the Chicago Blackhawks. Horcoff expressed disappointment in Larkin's decision, citing the center's obligations to the team and his teammates. Head coach Todd McLellan told reporters earlier in the day that Larkin would sit out the matchup against Chicago.

The suspension costs Larkin approximately $4,100 in salary per day. The 30-year-old center currently holds 278 goals and 649 points in 818 career games. He began his professional career with Detroit, the team that drafted him 15th overall in 2014. Larkin, a native of Waterford, Michigan, has played for the Red Wings since the 2015-16 season.

Larkin requested a trade during the offseason after the Red Wings missed the playoffs for the tenth consecutive year. He started the current season with the team but without the captaincy. The center has recorded two goals and six assists in his first 10 games of the 2026-27 season. He scored in his season debut against Ottawa and again in Monday night's win at Edmonton.

Horcoff said the front office has spoken with teams on Larkin's list and received calls from other interested clubs. The general manager stated the organization is trying to find a solution that works for both sides. Larkin holds a full no-trade clause in his contract. His eight-year deal has five years remaining, with an annual salary cap hit of $8.7 million.

Larkin initially agreed to trades to Florida, Minnesota, and Vegas. He reportedly added more teams to that list in recent weeks. Horcoff said his goal is to acquire players who can help the Red Wings immediately. The general manager added that the team is open to deals involving prospects and draft picks that provide a fair return for a player of Larkin's caliber.

The situation mirrors the recent handling of Winnipeg Jets goaltender Connor Hellebuyck. Hellebuyck, a U.S. Olympic teammate of Larkin's, was also suspended without pay this fall after requesting a trade. Winnipeg subsequently sent Hellebuyck to New Jersey last week. Larkin is the second NHL player to undergo this specific process this season.

Messages seeking comment were left with Pat Brisson, Larkin's agent. The Red Wings also have another contract situation pending. Standout defenseman Simon Edvinsson remains unsigned as a restricted free agent. The 23-year-old Swede recorded nine goals and 25 points in 72 games last season. Detroit drafted Edvinsson sixth overall in 2021, and he has 19 career goals and 60 points in 175 games.

Horcoff stated the Red Wings want Edvinsson on the team and have no interest in signing and trading him. The team signed two-time All-Star forward Alex DeBrincat to a seven-year contract two weeks ago. The deal pays DeBrincat $13 million per season. Horcoff said the organization remains focused on strengthening its roster while it works through the Larkin trade process.