Larkin Hears Boos, Then Cheers After Scoring in Red Wings Season Debut
Dylan Larkin was booed by Detroit fans throughout his season debut against Ottawa after his offseason trade request and the loss of his captaincy. He scored in the first period to give the Red Wings a 2-1 lead, drawing cheers from the home crowd. Larkin later added an assist on Viktor Arvidsson's power-play goal.
Larkin had been sidelined for the preseason and Detroit’s opening two contests because of an upper-body issue. His return came months after he sought a move in June, and the club removed his captaincy in September. He had also been booed during home-opener introductions while scratched.
In his first game back, Larkin scored at 13:14 to put Detroit ahead 2-1, assisted by Arvidsson and DeBrincat. He later helped Arvidsson on a second-period power-play tally while centering Arvidsson and Raymond. Seider said players understood fans would voice their feelings. Detroit still lacks a permanent GM; Horcoff is interim, and Edvinsson has requested a trade. Entering Tuesday, he had 276 goals and 643 points in 808 games, all with Detroit.
This storyline may shape how Detroit fans and the broader hockey audience view player-team disputes, especially when a longtime face of the franchise returns. Larkin’s mixed reception could affect younger fans learning how loyalty, criticism, and second chances play out in sports. It may also add pressure on the Red Wings’ interim leadership, influencing how future contract, captaincy, and trade decisions are perceived by players and supporters.