Red Wings Suspend Larkin Without Pay
Detroit removed the center from its roster after his agent declared he will no longer play for the franchise.
By Marta Gray ·
Detroit Red Wings center Dylan Larkin will now play without a paycheck. The team suspended him and removed him from the active roster on Thursday. This move follows a report that Larkin's agent told the franchise the player will no longer suit up for Detroit. The suspension ends months of speculation regarding a trade request that began last summer.
Interim General Manager Shawn Horcoff confirmed the decision in a statement issued before a home game against the Chicago Blackhawks. He expressed disappointment in the player's choice, citing the obligations Larkin holds to the organization and his teammates. Coach Todd McLellan informed reporters earlier that day that Larkin would not dress for the matchup. He noted that Horcoff would address the personnel change shortly.
The friction stems from Larkin's offseason request to be moved. The Red Wings extended their postseason drought to a decade, prompting the center to seek a new team. He started the season on the roster but without the captaincy. Horcoff stated that Detroit has discussed terms with teams on Larkin's list. He added that other clubs have called to express interest, but a deal satisfying both sides has yet to materialize.
Larkin is the second NHL player this season to be suspended without pay after requesting a trade. The Winnipeg Jets used the same maneuver with goaltender Connor Hellebuyck before sending him to New Jersey last week. Larkin will forfeit approximately $41,000 in salary for each day of the suspension. He is currently 30 years old and has two goals and six assists in the first 10 games of the season.
The center has recorded 278 goals and 649 points in 818 regular season games. He made his NHL debut with Detroit in the 2015-16 season. Drafted 15th overall in 2014, he played college hockey for the University of Michigan. Larkin also contributed to the United States men's hockey team's gold medal win at the Milan Cortina Olympics in February.
Larkin holds a full no-trade clause in his eight-year contract. Five years remain on the deal with a salary cap hit of $8.7 million annually. He initially approved trades to Florida, Minnesota, and Vegas. Reports indicate he added other teams to his list in recent weeks. Horcoff said the limited list makes it difficult to complete a trade. He aims to acquire players who can contribute immediately while securing fair returns in prospects and draft picks.
Teammates expressed relief that the situation is resolved. Defenseman Moritz Seider said the squad is glad to put the awkwardness behind them. He noted that players were tired of answering the same questions repeatedly. Forward Alex DeBrincat echoed those sentiments, stating the group is confident in its current lineup. McLellan admitted the trade saga was a distraction. He said the team is moving on after the issue dominated discussions for too long.
The Red Wings also have other contract matters pending. Defenseman Simon Edvinsson remains an unsigned restricted free agent. The 23-year-old had nine goals and 25 points in 72 games last season. Detroit drafted him sixth overall in 2021. Horcoff said the team wants Edvinsson and has no interest in a sign-and-trade deal. He stated that nothing has changed regarding the negotiations.
