Hockey

Red Wings suspend Dylan Larkin without pay as trade talks escalate

The 30-year-old centre will forfeit more than $41,000 a day while suspended after his agent said he will no longer play for Detroit.

Cole Harrington · Editor-in-Chief
October 30, 2026 · More from this writer

DETROIT · The Detroit Red Wings have suspended centre Dylan Larkin without pay and removed him from the roster after his agent told the team he will no longer play for the franchise. Interim general manager Shawn Horcoff said the team is disappointed by the decision and will continue to explore trade opportunities. Larkin, 30, asked for a trade in the off-season after the Red Wings extended their postseason drought to a decade, and he started this season stripped of the captaincy. "We are disappointed by his decision, particularly given his obligations to the organization and his teammates," Horcoff said in a statement on Thursday. He added that any trade must be in the best interests of the Red Wings and support the organization's long-term goals, in addition to needing Larkin's approval due to his no-trade clause. Larkin's agent, Pat Brisson, told the Detroit Free Press that "Dylan's had enough of the situation," and he told TSN that Larkin has been very professional and cooperative through the process.

Larkin will forfeit roughly $41,000 a day while suspended. He is the second NHL player suspended without pay this fall after requesting a trade, following Winnipeg goaltender Connor Hellebuyck, who was dealt to New Jersey last week. Larkin has two goals and six assists in 10 games this season. He has a full no-trade clause as part of his eight-year contract, which has five years remaining with an annual salary cap hit of $8.7 million.

He initially told the Red Wings he would accept a trade to the Florida Panthers, Minnesota Wild and Vegas Golden Knights. Reports indicate he has since expanded his list to include up to 10 teams, with the Dallas Stars, Washington Capitals, Carolina Hurricanes, Utah Mammoth, Tampa Bay Lightning, New Jersey Devils and Colorado Avalanche also among the possibilities. Horcoff told reporters he has talked to teams on Larkin's list and has taken calls from other interested teams, saying his phone rang a lot on Thursday. "We just continue to try to find solutions that fit for both sides," Horcoff said, adding he is willing to wait as long as it takes to get the right deal. He said he is looking for players who can help the team right away while also considering the long-term success of the organization. Sportsnet's Elliotte Friedman reported the plan is for Larkin not to play for Detroit until a trade is made, meaning he has likely made his last appearance for the Red Wings.

Red Wings head coach Todd McLellan told reporters earlier on Thursday that Larkin would not play against the Chicago Blackhawks, adding that Horcoff was expected to address the move. TSN's Pierre LeBrun has indicated trade talks surrounding Larkin have escalated, though a deal is not imminent. The team called up centre Sheldon Dries from the AHL's Grand Rapids Griffins under emergency conditions. Larkin, who is from Waterford, Mich., was drafted 15th overall by Detroit in 2014 after playing for the University of Michigan. He has 278 goals and 649 points in 818 career games, all with the Red Wings. He was a key player for the United States in its Olympic gold medal win last February. After missing two games with an upper-body injury this season, he scored in his season debut, a 5-3 win over Ottawa, and scored again on Monday in a win at Edmonton. Garbutt Disposal reported in October that Larkin was cheered after scoring in that season debut.

The Montreal Canadiens have been linked to Larkin in recent speculation, with analysts noting the team's need for a proven second-line centre behind Nick Suzuki. Such a move would require a significant trade package, potentially involving top prospects or young NHL players. Larkin's contract runs through the 2030-31 season. The Red Wings also have the unresolved contract situation of restricted free agent defenceman Simon Edvinsson, whom Horcoff said the team is still trying to sign.

With files from The Hockey Writers, The Globe and Mail and Yahoo Sports