Red Wings Continue Trade Push by Sitting Larkin Indefinitely
Dylan Larkin has been scratched from the Red Wings lineup, with reports indicating the team plans to keep him out until a trade is finalized. The 30-year-old center, who requested a trade and lost his captaincy, remains a key asset despite not playing. Trade discussions have intensified, with multiple teams reportedly interested, though no deal is imminent.
Dylan Larkin, the 30-year-old center and former captain of the Detroit Red Wings, has been scratched from the team’s lineup for their game against the Chicago Blackhawks on October 29, 2026, marking a clear escalation in the ongoing trade saga. Head coach Todd McLellan confirmed the absence, with interim general manager Shawn Horcoff set to address the situation later that day. According to Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman, the team’s current plan is to keep Larkin out of action until a trade is finalized, though this could shift if he were to suffer an injury—something that could derail negotiations. Larkin has not practiced in recent days and remains a key asset despite his absence from games. He has recorded six points (two goals, four assists) in 10 games this season and still leads Detroit forwards in ice time. The Red Wings, who are currently 5-4-3 and last in the Atlantic Division, have endured a 10-year playoff drought—the longest in the NHL—fueling pressure to rebuild through trades. Larkin requested a trade earlier in the summer and was stripped of his captaincy on September 11. His contract, carrying an $8.7 million cap hit through the 2030-31 season, makes him highly valuable despite the long-term commitment. Trade discussions have intensified, with reports indicating that teams such as the Minnesota Wild and Montreal Canadiens are actively involved, even though the latter is not on Larkin’s trade list. The Devils’ recent acquisition of Connor Hellebuyck adds context
The Red Wings’ decision to sit Larkin indefinitely could signal a broader shift in how NHL franchises manage high-profile player departures—using absence as leverage in trade negotiations rather than relying on public announcements. This approach may influence other teams facing similar situations, potentially normalizing the use of strategic non-availability to pressure trading partners. The move also reflects the growing importance of cap management and long-term roster planning, especially for rebuilding franchises like Detroit. Comparable cases include the 2018 trade of Erik Karlsson from the Ottawa Senators, where prolonged negotiations and public scrutiny preceded a deal that reshaped both teams’ futures. In this instance, Larkin’s situation may affect not only his career trajectory but also the competitive balance in the Atlantic Division, particularly if he lands with a playoff-contending team. The Red Wings’ ability to extract value from a player they no longer want could impa