Story perspectives

Red Wings Strip Dylan Larkin of Captaincy

By Drooid · Sep 11, 2026, 11:42 PM UTC · How we work

Summary

Larkin Stripped Captaincy

The Detroit Red Wings stripped Dylan Larkin of the captaincy as he reported to training camp.
Larkin had requested a trade in June, naming Minnesota, Vegas and Florida as acceptable destinations.
General manager Steve Yzerman stepped down in July, leaving hockey operations leadership vacant.
Larkin remains under an eight-year, $69.6 million contract with an $8.7 million cap hit through 2030-31.
The Red Wings will begin the 2026-27 season without a captain.

Summary

Klingberg Retires

John Klingberg announced his retirement after 700 NHL games, ending a 14-year career.
He finished with 92 goals, 351 assists and 443 points in regular-season play.
He added 43 points in 92 Stanley Cup playoff games.
Kole Lind signed a professional tryout with the Tampa Bay Lightning to attend training camp.
Detroit gave restricted-free-agent defenseman Simon Edvinsson an $874,125 qualifying offer while he waits for a permanent GM.

History

Historical Context

After a 29-year absence from the Stanley Cup Final, the Detroit Red Wings returned in 1995 but were swept by the New Jersey Devils; the following seasons produced back-to-back titles in 1997 and 1998 and a record-tying 62 regular-season wins in 1995-96. Now, with captain Dylan Larkin removed and veteran John Klingberg retired, Detroit begins another rebuild reminiscent of those post-championship transitions.

1 of 3

Larkin Stripped Captaincy

The Detroit Red Wings stripped Dylan Larkin of the captaincy as he reported to training camp.
Larkin had requested a trade in June, naming Minnesota, Vegas and Florida as acceptable destinations.
General manager Steve Yzerman stepped down in July, leaving hockey operations leadership vacant.
Larkin remains under an eight-year, $69.6 million contract with an $8.7 million cap hit through 2030-31.
The Red Wings will begin the 2026-27 season without a captain.

1 / 3