Larkin Suspended After Trade Demand

The Detroit Red Wings suspended Dylan Larkin without pay on Thursday and removed him from the roster. The move follows a report that Larkin's agent informed the franchise the center will not play for the team. Detroit grew frustrated by its inability to trade the player months after he requested a move.

Interim general manager Shawn Horcoff stated the organization is disappointed by the decision given Larkin's obligations to his teammates. Horcoff made the announcement shortly before Detroit hosted the Chicago Blackhawks. Coach Todd McLellan told reporters earlier that Larkin would not suit up for the game and that Horcoff would address the situation.

Larkin requested a trade during the offseason after the Red Wings extended their postseason drought to a decade. He began the season with the team but without the captaincy. The 30-year-old center forfeits roughly $41,000 per day while suspended. He is the second NHL player to receive this treatment this fall after requesting a trade, following Winnipeg's suspension of goaltender Connor Hellebuyck before that player was traded to New Jersey.

Larkin has recorded two goals and six assists in 10 games this season. His career totals stand at 278 goals and 649 points in 818 games since his 2015-16 debut. He plays on an eight-year contract with five years remaining and an annual cap hit of $8.7 million. The contract includes a full no-trade clause. Larkin initially accepted trades to Florida, Minnesota, and Vegas, but he reportedly added other destinations recently.

Horcoff said he attempted to keep Larkin in a Red Wings jersey but was unsuccessful. The general manager aims to acquire players who can contribute immediately. He remains open to deals involving prospects and draft picks that provide a fair return. Horcoff noted that the limited list of teams Larkin is willing to join makes a trade difficult to complete.

The Red Wings also face uncertainty with defenseman Simon Edvinsson, who 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 him No. 6 overall in 2021. The team wants him to sign a contract and has no interest in signing and trading him. Horcoff said nothing has changed regarding Edvinsson's status.

Two weeks ago, the Red Wings signed forward Alex DeBrincat to a seven-year contract worth $13 million per season. Larkin is from Waterford, Michigan, and was drafted No. 15 overall in 2014 after playing for the Michigan Wolverines. He won Olympic gold with the United States at the Milan Cortina Games in February. Larkin scored in his season debut against Ottawa and again in a win at Edmonton on Monday.