Story perspectives

Red Wings keep Dylan Larkin, beat Senators 5-3

By Drooid · Oct 11, 2026, 12:00 AM UTC · How we work

Summary

Dylan Larkin Stays

Detroit Red Wings kept center Dylan Larkin on the roster despite his trade request.
Larkin recorded a goal and an assist in his first game back, a 5-3 win over Ottawa.
His eight-year deal pays $8.7 million annually through 2030-31 and includes a full no-trade clause through 2027-28.
Boston proposed sending Pavel Zacha, William Moore’s rights, and a 2027 first-round pick to acquire Larkin.

Summary

Larkin Scores Return

The Red Wings beat Ottawa 5-3, snapping a 0-2 season start.
Detroit fans booed Larkin at the home opener, chanting “Sell the team” and taping “Traitor” over his name.
Coach Todd McLellan warned Larkin he must “live with the ramifications” of his trade request.
After an upper-body injury, Larkin returned, scored 13 minutes in and credited his 16-month-old daughter Lennix.

History

Historical Context

During the late 1990s Detroit owner Mike Ilitch matched a $38 million offer sheet for Sergei Fedorov, paying $28 million for 43 games that season and keeping the star despite league-wide market concerns. That willingness to lock in elite talent set a precedent for today’s handling of Dylan Larkin’s trade request, as the franchise again prioritizes long-term stability over short-term pressure.

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Dylan Larkin Stays

Detroit Red Wings kept center Dylan Larkin on the roster despite his trade request.
Larkin recorded a goal and an assist in his first game back, a 5-3 win over Ottawa.
His eight-year deal pays $8.7 million annually through 2030-31 and includes a full no-trade clause through 2027-28.
Boston proposed sending Pavel Zacha, William Moore’s rights, and a 2027 first-round pick to acquire Larkin.

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