The Detroit Red Wings looked hopeful for a postseason appearance late last season, a first since 2016, yet they fell short. Adding to their woes, captain Dylan Larkin, a native of Detroit, has expressed a desire to leave the team.
According to Elliotte Friedman of Sportsnet, Larkin, 29, wants a trade. Reports suggest his request stems from continuous playoff misses and strained relations with Red Wings GM Steve Yzerman. Larkin, his agent, and Yzerman have remained silent since Friedman’s report, which is based on “multiple sources.”
Larkin entered the NHL through the 2014 Draft, selected 15th overall by the Red Wings. Over his career, he has amassed 643 points in 808 games. Puck Pedia notes his status as a top-line center with an $8.7 million salary cap hit. His free agency doesn’t begin until 2031, making him attractive to other teams.
His recent performances, both for the Red Wings and Team USA, bolster his appeal. Larkin contributed to the Four Nations Face-off and was integral to the gold-medal success of the 2026 US Men’s Olympic hockey team. However, his no-trade clause requires his approval for any transaction in the next two seasons.
While the Red Wings may not welcome this development, it presents an opportunity. Trading Larkin, with careful negotiation, could yield significant returns, potentially catalyzing a much-needed team reset to pursue future postseason success.
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