The Red Wings have suspended Dylan Larkin without pay after he informed the team he would not play until a trade was finalized, a twist that Detroit said it was “disappointed by.”
The former Red Wings captain’s trade request became public nearly five months ago, and earlier Thursday, head coach Todd McLellan announced Larkin would not play against the Blackhawks and that interim general manager Shawn Horcoff said he would address the situation.
“Dylan Larkin has informed us that he will no longer play for the Detroit Red Wings. We are disappointed by this decision, particularly given his obligations to the organization and his teammates. We have therefore suspended Dylan without pay,” Horcoff said in a statement issued Thursday evening.
“We will continue to explore trade opportunities involving Dylan. In addition to needing his approval, any trade must also be in the best interest of the Detroit Red Wings and support the organization’s long-term goals.”
Larkin, 30, has a full no-trade clause, but the center has given the Red Wings a list of 10 teams he would accept a trade to.
According to The Athletic, that list includes Panthers, Wild, Golden Knights, Stars, Capitals, Hurricanes, Mammoth, Lightning, Devils and Avalanche.
The latest drama started after Larkin declined to report for Thursday’s game against Chicago.
“Dylan’s had enough of the situation. We believe he’s been very professional and cooperative through this process,” Larkin’s agent, Pat Brisson, told The Athletic in a statement before the suspension was announced.
Larkin has not revealed why he has requested a trade, but the decision was made after the 2025-26 season.
He was stripped of his captaincy ahead of training camp and missed the start of the season with an injury.
Larkin was booed by Red Wings fans when he was introduced as part of the home opener ceremonies.
The center has played in 10 of the Red Wings’ first 12 games and has six points (two goals, four assists).
Larkin has scored at least 30 goals in each of his last five seasons.
