NEWYou can now listen to PK Press Club articles!
Late last season, it looked like the Detroit Red Wings might have a chance to sneak into the playoffs for the first time since 2016, but it fell through.
And if that wasn’t enough, there are now reports that their captain, Detroit native Dylan Larkin, wants out.
According to Elliotte Friedman of Sportsnet, the 29-year-old requested a trade from the team, citing the team repeatedly missing the playoffs and a less-than-stellar relationship with Red Wings general manager and franchise legend Steve Yzerman.
A report from Sportsnet’s Elliotte Larkin claims that Red Wings captain Dylan Larkin has requested a trade. (Richard T. Gagnon/Getty Images)
None of the parties involved — Larkin, his agent or Yzerman — have commented since Friedman wrote his report, which cited “multiple sources.”
BRADY TKACHUK RESPONDS (AGAIN) TO TRADE RUMORS AFTER SENATORS PLAYOFFS RELEASE
But if that’s true… buckle up, kids.
Larkin was drafted by the Red Wings with the 15th pick in the 2014 NHL Entry Draft, and since then, he has recorded 643 points in 808 games.
Dylan Larkin was drafted by the Red Wings in 2014 (Nathan Ray Seebeck-Imagn Images)
He’s a top-tier center with a cap hit of $8.7 million, according to Puck Pedia, and won’t be a free agent until 2031. All of this should make him a trade target for most teams around the league.
AMERICAN MEN’S HOCKEY STARS SHOW HUGE AMERICAN PRIDE AFTER WINING OLYMPIC GOLD
On top of that, Larkin has been playing well lately, not only with the Red Wings, but also with Team USA. He was part of last year’s Four Nations faceoff team, as well as this year’s gold medal-winning Olympic team.
ZERO BS. JUST DAKICH. TAKE THE DON’T @ ME PODCAST ON THE ROAD. DOWNLOAD NOW!
Dylan Larkin was part of the 2026 gold medal-winning United States men’s Olympic hockey team. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images)
Larkin has a full no-trade clause for the next two seasons, meaning he will have to approve any deal made during that time frame.
While that’s probably the last thing the Red Wings want to hear, there could be an upside.
CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD THE PK Press Club APP
You don’t want to rush a deal, but the sooner you do, the more they can ask for more, and Larkin will probably command some serious loot.
Of course, you never want it to happen like this, but this could be the reset the team needs to get back to the playoffs.
