Dylan Larkin wants out of Detroit. The Red Wings captain and Detroit-area native has asked the team for a trade, according to a report by Fox News citing Sportsnet's Elliotte Friedman, whose story drew on multiple sources. Larkin is 29 years old and has spent his entire NHL career with the Red Wings after the team selected him with the 15th pick in the 2014 NHL Entry Draft.
Friedman's report cited two reasons for the trade request: the team's repeated failure to make the playoffs, and a difficult relationship between Larkin and Red Wings general manager Steve Yzerman, himself a franchise legend in Detroit. As of the time of reporting, none of the parties involved had commented publicly. Larkin, his agent, and Yzerman all declined to respond.
Larkin's career numbers make him a significant trade asset. He has recorded 643 points in 808 games and carries an $8.7 million cap hit, according to Puck Pedia. He is under contract through 2031, meaning any team that acquires him would have him for several more years. That length and his production level make him attractive to contenders looking for a top-line center.
There is a major complication. Larkin holds a full no-trade clause for the next two seasons. Any deal would require his approval. That gives Larkin significant leverage over where he goes, but it also means the Red Wings cannot move him without his cooperation.
The Red Wings have not made the playoffs since 2016. This past season they came close but fell short again. The organization has been in a rebuilding phase under Yzerman, who returned to the franchise as general manager in 2019. The relationship between the two appears to have deteriorated enough that Larkin no longer wants to wait for the rebuild to produce results.
Larkin has remained a high-level player during the drought. He was part of the United States team at the Four Nations Face-off and was a member of this year's gold-medal-winning U.S. Olympic hockey team. His performance on the international stage has kept his profile high and likely adds to his trade value.
The Red Wings now face a difficult calculation. Moving a captain and franchise cornerstone is never straightforward, but Larkin's no-trade clause, his contract length, and his recent play mean the return could be substantial. The longer the team waits, the more complicated the situation becomes, particularly if the relationship between Larkin and the organization continues to deteriorate.
No timeline has been set for any potential deal, and no trade destinations have been reported.
