Larkin Sat Out Thursday, Raising Trade Odds for Detroit Star

Detroit Red Wings coach Todd McLellan told reporters that Dylan Larkin would not play in Thursday night's home game against Chicago. McLellan said interim general manager Shawn Horcoff is expected to address the move.

The absence places the 30-year-old center one step closer to a trade. Larkin requested a move during the offseason after the team extended its playoff drought to a decade. He started the season with Detroit but without the captaincy he previously held.

Larkin, from Waterford, Michigan, has two goals and six assists in ten games this season. His career totals stand at 278 goals and 649 points in 818 games. He made his NHL debut with the Red Wings in the 2015-16 season after being drafted 15th overall in 2014 by Detroit. Larkin played for the Michigan Wolverines in college before entering the pros.

The center contributed to the United States Olympic gold medal win in February at the Milan Cortina Games. After missing two games with an upper-body injury, he scored in his season debut to help Detroit beat Ottawa. He was booed when he touched the puck on his first shift. He scored again on Monday night in a win at Edmonton.

Larkin holds a full no-trade clause in his eight-year contract. Five years remain on the deal, which carries an annual salary cap hit of $8.7 million. He initially told the Red Wings he would accept a trade to Florida, Minnesota, and Vegas. He reportedly added more destinations in recent weeks.

The Red Wings also face a contract dispute with defenseman Simon Edvinsson. The 23-year-old Swedish restricted free agent remains unsigned nearly a month into the season. Edvinsson posted nine goals and 25 points in 72 games last year. Detroit drafted him sixth overall in 2021. He has 19 career goals and 60 points in 175 games.

The team signed two-time All-Star forward Alex DeBrincat to a seven-year contract worth $13 million per season two weeks ago. The move was an attempt to find positive news during a difficult stretch.