Updated October 29, 2026, 7:41 p.m. ET
DETROIT — Did Dylan Larkin really play his last game with the Red Wings?
Maybe.
Larkin will not be in the lineup Thursday night, Oct. 29, when the Red Wings take on the Chicago Blackhawks at Little Caesars Arena.
Larkin’s agent, Pat Brisson, released a statement Thursday afternoon, saying Larkin was frustrated with the pace of potential trade talks. Larkin and his representatives are hoping that Larkin not playing will push the Wings toward a trade.
“Dylan is fed up with this situation,” Brisson said. “We think he has been very professional and cooperative throughout this process.”
Interim general manager Shawn Horcoff released a statement announcing Larkin had been suspended without pay.
“Dylan Larkin has informed us that he will no longer play for the Detroit Red Wings. We are disappointed with his decision, particularly given his obligations to the organization and his teammates. We have therefore suspended Dylan without pay.
“We will continue to explore trade opportunities involving Dylan. In addition to needing his approval, any trade must also be in the best interest of the Detroit Red Wings and support the long-term goals of the organization.
“I want to thank and congratulate our coaches and players for their continued focus and commitment to competing every day.”
Larkin would lose $41,237.11 each day he was absent.
Larkin also did not practice on Wednesday, October 28, but coach Todd McLellan said he was optimistic Larkin would play against Chicago, saying Larkin needed a maintenance day.
Larkin missed the first two games of this season and the entire preseason with an upper-body injury. Larkin returned on October 6 against Ottawa and recorded a goal and an assist in the game, to silent boos directed at him at first. Larkin was also heavily booed during introductions for the home opener on October 2.
The Wings stripped Larkin as captain before the start of training camp.
Larkin requested a trade in June, but the Wings were unable to reach an acceptable deal with any team, being satisfied with none of the proposals they received from the 10-team roster that Larkin would agree to a trade (Larkin has a no-trade clause).
Carolina, Colorado, Dallas, Florida, Minnesota, New Jersey, Tampa Bay, Utah, Vegas and Washington are the 10 teams Larkin would agree to a trade. But in almost all cases, the lack of a natural fit or tight salary cap restrictions pose a major obstacle.
Montreal is a team that has pursued Larkin aggressively, even though he is not on their roster (no Canadian team is). But the Wings have been actively monitoring the Canadiens in recent weeks, especially after Montreal fans flooded Larkin with “We want Larkin” chants during the Wings’ Oct. 10 game in Montreal.
But in recent days, there has been a growing sense around the league, among scouts and analysts, that trade talks have intensified around Larkin, and for that matter, unsigned Wings defenseman Simon Edvinsson.
The Wings insisted on acquiring an NHL center (preferably) for Larkin, as well as a prospect or draft pick, or a combination of both. But speculation is growing that Horcoff might be willing to have the package for Larkin be more “futures” based, involving prospects and draft picks.
Larkin, 30, has five years left on an eight-year contract with an average annual value of $8.7 million — a bargain in today’s NHL given the way salaries increased last summer with the salary cap exploding upward.
Larkin scored 30 or more goals for five straight seasons and became one of the league’s best two-way centers.
On Monday, October 26 in Edmonton, Larkin ended an eight-game drought with a last-minute goal against the Oilers that forced overtime. The Wings defeated Edmonton in a shootout, in what could have been Larkin’s last game as a Red Wings player.
Edvinsson’s situation also continues to revolve around the Wings.
Edvinsson, 23, must sign an NHL contract before Dec. 1 or he will not be eligible to play this season. Edvinsson attended the training camp as an apparent gesture of goodwill, but no contract was concluded and Edvinsson returned to Sweden.
Edvinsson left Sweden on October 13 and arrived in the Boston area to work with coaches affiliated with his representatives, pending a new contract or trade.
Horcoff, Edvinsson and Edvinsson’s representation met more than once, but no resolution was reached.
Trade speculation surrounding Edvinsson has also increased in recent days, with St. Louis, San Jose, Boston and Carolina among the teams — likely many more — reportedly interested. San Jose would be an attractive option, given that the Sharks have several high-end forwards who could tempt the Wings into making a trade.
tkulfan@detroitnews.com
@tkulfan
Gn sports
