Detroit Red Wings suspend Dylan Larkin after agent confirms he will not play

The Detroit Red Wings suspended Dylan Larkin without pay and removed him from the active roster on Thursday. The franchise moved after his agent informed the team that the center no longer intends to play for Detroit. This decision followed months of failed negotiations to trade the player away.

Interim general manager Shawn Horcoff confirmed the suspension in a statement released shortly before the Red Wings hosted the Chicago Blackhawks. He expressed disappointment in the move, citing Larkin's obligations to the organization and his teammates. Head coach Todd McLellan told reporters earlier that day that Larkin would sit out the game against Chicago.

Larkin requested a trade during the offseason after the team extended its postseason drought to ten years. He started the current season with the Red Wings but without the captaincy. The 30-year-old center has recorded two goals and six assists in ten games. His career totals now stand at 278 goals and 649 points in 818 games. He debuted with his hometown team in the 2015-16 season after being drafted 15th overall in 2014.

The suspension carries a financial cost. Larkin will forfeit approximately $41,000 for every day he remains on the suspended list. He holds a full no-trade clause under an eight-year contract. Five years remain on that deal with an annual salary cap hit of $8.7 million. Larkin initially listed Florida, Minnesota, and Vegas as acceptable trade destinations. Reports indicate he has since added other teams to that list.

Horcoff said the front office has spoken with teams on Larkin's preferred list and received interest from other clubs. He stated the goal is to find a solution that fits both sides. The GM added that he is open to deals involving prospects and draft picks that provide a fair return for a player of Larkin's caliber. He noted that securing a deal is difficult given the specific teams Larkin wants to join.

This is the second time this fall an NHL player has been suspended without pay after requesting a trade. The Winnipeg Jets did the same with goaltender Connor Hellebuyck last week before sending him to New Jersey. Larkin and Hellebuyck were teammates on the United States Olympic team that won gold at the Milan Cortina Games in February.

Teammates said the awkward situation is now behind them. Defenseman Moritz Seider said the players are glad to eliminate the noise surrounding the trade saga. He noted that answering the same questions repeatedly was exhausting. Forward Alex DeBrincat, who signed a seven-year, $13 million per season contract two weeks ago, said the group is confident and ready to move forward. McLellan admitted the constant attention on Larkin had been a distraction for the roster.

The Red Wings defeated Chicago 4-1 on Thursday night. Larkin had scored in his season debut against Ottawa after being booed on his first shift. He also scored in a Monday night win at Edmonton. The team remains focused on other roster issues, including the unsigned status of defenseman Simon Edvinsson. Edvinsson is a 23-year-old restricted free agent who recorded nine goals and 25 points in 72 games last season. Horcoff said the team wants Edvinsson and has no interest in signing and trading him. He stated that nothing has changed in their approach to the forward.

Messages seeking comment were left with Larkin's agent, Pat Brisson. The Red Wings will continue their search for a trade partner while Larkin remains off the roster. The next step in the process depends on finding a team willing to meet the financial and roster requirements of the deal.