Dylan Larkin Won’t Play Thursday For Red Wings As Trade Chatter Grows

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As the Detroit Red Wings prepare to face the Chicago Blackhawks on Thursday evening, one of the major pressing storylines that has overshadowed the club for the last several months may be nearing a resolution. 

Head coach Todd McLellan confirmed that forward Dylan Larkin, who didn't practice for the second straight day, will not be in the lineup for Thursday's game. When asked for further details, McLellan said interim general manager Shawn Horcoff would be addressing the situation.

For now, it appears Horcoff's update will come in the form of a prepared statement rather than a press conference.

Larkin, who has played for the Red Wings since 2015-16 and served as captain since 2020-21, requested a trade after the club missed the postseason for the 10th consecutive year.

Since then, several clouds have hung over the Red Wings. GM Steve Yzerman was moved into a senior advisor role, while assistant GM Shawn Horcoff took over as interim GM just days before training camp began. Meanwhile, defenseman Simon Edvinsson remains a restricted free agent without a contract for the season.

Speaking of training camp, Larkin had his captaincy removed and did not participate in camp or the preseason after suffering an off-ice injury while training. He missed Detroit's first two regular-season games before returning to the lineup.

Through 10 games, Larkin has scored twice and added four assists. In what may have been his final game with the Red Wings, he scored the game-tying goal late in regulation on Monday against the Edmonton Oilers before Detroit went on to win 4-3 in a shootout.

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Larkin is still under contract through 2031 with a salary cap hit of $8.7 million.

In the 818 career games that he's played, Larkin has tallied 278 goals with 371 assists; his 649 points rank 10th all time in Red Wings history. 

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