Detroit Red Wings suspend Dylan Larkin without pay after trade request fallout
The franchise took the veteran center off the roster on Thursday after he informed the team he would no longer play for them.
The Detroit Red Wings announced Thursday that they have suspended veteran center Dylan Larkin without pay and removed him from the roster. The severe roster move came after Larkin informed the organization that he would no longer play for the franchise, growing increasingly frustrated by the team's inability to complete a trade months after his initial request.
Interim general manager Shawn Horcoff addressed the development in an official statement released shortly before Detroit hosted the Chicago Blackhawks. "We are disappointed by his decision, particularly given his obligations to the organization and his teammates," Horcoff said, adding that the team will continue to look into potential deals while protecting its long-term goals.
Larkin initially asked for a trade during the offseason following a decade-long postseason drought for the storied franchise. Although he started the current campaign with the Red Wings, he was stripped of his captaincy. Prior to the suspension, head coach Todd McLellan confirmed that Larkin would sit out the matchup against Chicago.
The 30-year-old center signed an eight-year contract that carries an annual salary cap hit of $8.7 million and still has five years remaining. Because his deal includes a full no-trade clause, any prospective destination must be approved by Larkin. While he initially expressed willingness to accept trades to Florida, Minnesota, and Vegas, his list of acceptable destinations has expanded in recent weeks.
Drafted 15th overall by Detroit in 2014 out of the University of Michigan, Larkin has spent his entire NHL career with his hometown franchise. Over 818 games since making his debut in the 2015-16 season, he has recorded 278 goals and 649 points. He also played a vital role for the United States when the team secured an Olympic gold medal last February at the Milan Cortina Games.
Larkin's agent, Pat Brisson, represents the player in these ongoing matters, though a message seeking comment was not immediately addressed. Meanwhile, Horcoff praised the remaining coaches and players for maintaining their focus and commitment to competing each day while the front office navigates the turbulent situation.
As Horcoff works to resolve the standoff, the interim general manager emphasized that any trade must align with the best interests of the Detroit Red Wings. No trade has been finalized, and Larkin's ultimate destination remains uncertain as the franchise evaluates its next steps.