Full Breakdown
Dylan Larkin’s Trade Standoff: Return to the Ice, Fan Backlash, and Ongoing Deal-Making
By Drooid · · How we work
Core Event
Dylan Larkin, the Detroit Red Wings’ 30-year-old center, returned to the lineup on Tuesday night and scored 13 minutes into his first shift after a trade request that has kept him in “limbo” for months. The 5-3 win over the Ottawa Senators marked his first game since being booed during the season-opening introductions. Larkin’s contract carries an $8.7 million cap hit through the 2030-31 season and includes a full no-trade clause through 2027-28.
Background & Context
Larkin asked for a trade in early June; Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman reported the request on June 4. General manager Steve Yzerman confirmed on June 27 that Larkin’s agent had supplied a short list of acceptable destinations. The Red Wings stripped Larkin of the captaincy in September and placed him on injured reserve after an upper-body injury that caused him to miss the first two games of the season.
The trade-request saga has coincided with speculation about other Red Wings assets. Analyst Steven Ellis highlighted winger Alex DeBrincat as a potential trade target, noting his 41 goals and 85 points in 82 games last season. Defenseman Simon Edvinsson is also on the market, with the club reportedly seeking a “big-player” return.
Data & Statistics
- Larkin posted 34 goals and 67 points in 74 games last season, ranking 10th in franchise history with 643 points in 808 games.
- His career totals stand at 277 goals, 368 assists and 645 points in 809 games.
- DeBrincat’s 2023-24 line produced 41 goals and 85 points.
- The Red Wings have not made the playoffs since Larkin’s rookie season, the longest active drought among the NHL’s 32 teams.
Criticism & Opposition
The home-crowd’s reaction—booing Larkin’s name, taping over it with signs such as “Loser” and “Traitor,” and chanting “Sell the team”—underscores fan opposition.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
Trade-list coverage varies. Heavy-source reports state that Larkin’s list excludes every Canadian franchise, leaving Montreal waiting for a change of heart before the March 1 deadline. Conversely, Complex and US Magazine cite sources indicating that the Montreal Canadiens are “extremely interested” and could end the saga if Larkin expands his list. No source confirms whether Larkin has formally added Montreal.
Verbatim Quotes
- “Without him tonight, I don't know if we win,” — Todd McLellan, coach
- “It was a lot of emotions. But I think I'm just happy to be a hockey player today and go out and try to help the team win,” — Dylan Larkin
- “I asked for a trade from the Detroit Red Wings as the captain, and actions have consequences,” — Dylan Larkin
- “I’ve heard [Detroit’s] asked for some pretty big players in return,” — Elliotte Friedman, NHL insider
What’s Next
Detroit’s interim general manager Shawn Horcoff has said the club will “take this day by day,” with no timeline for a trade. The March 1 deadline looms for any deal that must satisfy the Red Wings’ price and Larkin’s no-trade clause. Meanwhile, speculation continues around potential destinations—including Florida, Minnesota, Vegas, Colorado, Washington, Dallas, Tampa Bay, and possibly Montreal—depending on whether Larkin expands his list.