Red Wings Suspend Larkin Without Pay

The Detroit Red Wings suspended center Dylan Larkin without pay on Wednesday. The action follows his public announcement that he will no longer play for the franchise. Interim general manager Shawn Horcoff is expected to address the specific details of the move to reporters.

Larkin requested a trade during the offseason after the team failed to reach the playoffs for the tenth consecutive year. He began the current season with Detroit but lost his captaincy. Coach Todd McLellan told reporters that Larkin will not suit up for Thursday night's home game against the Chicago Blackhawks.

The 30-year-old center from Waterford, Michigan, has recorded two goals and six assists in the first 10 games of the season. His career totals now stand at 278 goals and 649 points in 818 games. Larkin made his debut with Detroit during the 2015-16 season after the team selected him 15th overall in the 2014 draft. He also helped the United States win Olympic gold at the Milan Cortina Games in February.

Larkin holds a full no-trade clause within his eight-year contract. Five years remain on the deal, which carries an annual salary cap hit of $8.7 million. He initially indicated he would accept a trade to Florida, Minnesota, and Vegas, though reports suggest he has expanded his list of preferred destinations in recent weeks.

The suspension comes as the Red Wings manage other roster decisions. Star defenseman Simon Edvinsson remains unsigned as a restricted free agent. The 23-year-old Swedish defenseman posted nine goals and 25 points in 72 games last season. Detroit drafted him sixth overall in 2021. He currently has 19 career goals and 60 points in 175 games.

Two weeks ago, the Red Wings signed two-time All-Star forward Alex DeBrincat. They gave him a seven-year contract worth $13 million per season. Larkin returned from an upper-body injury to score in his season debut against Ottawa. He also scored in Monday night's win in Edmonton.