Detroit Red Wings suspend Dylan Larkin and remove him from roster

Detroit Red Wings center Dylan Larkin is suspended without pay and off the roster as of Thursday. The move follows a statement from the team saying his agent informed them Larkin will no longer play for the franchise. The organization said it was disappointed by the decision, citing Larkin's obligations to his teammates. Detroit made the announcement shortly before hosting the Chicago Blackhawks at home.

Head coach Todd McLellan told reporters earlier in the day that Larkin would not play in Thursday night's game. He added that general manager Steve Yzerman, referred to as Horcoff in the report, was expected to address the situation. Larkin started the season on the team after being stripped of the captaincy. The Red Wings are now in their tenth consecutive postseason drought.

The 30-year-old center from Waterford, Michigan, has two goals and six assists in 10 games this season. Those numbers bring his career totals to 278 goals and 649 points in 818 games. He debuted with his hometown team in the 2015-16 season after being drafted 15th overall in 2014. Larkin was a key player for the United States team that won Olympic gold in February at the Milan Cortina Games.

Larkin returned to the lineup after missing two games with an upper-body injury. He scored in his season debut, which came after fans booed him when he touched the puck on his first shift. That goal helped Detroit beat Ottawa. He scored again on Monday night during a win in Edmonton. He holds a full no-trade clause in his eight-year contract, which has five years remaining. His annual salary cap hit is $8.7 million.

Larkin initially told the Red Wings he would accept a trade to Florida, Minnesota, or Vegas. He reportedly added more possibilities in recent weeks. The team has struggled to move him despite his request for a trade months ago. The suspension marks a sharp escalation in that dispute.

The Red Wings also face uncertainty at defense. Standout defenseman Simon Edvinsson remains unsigned as a restricted free agent. The 23-year-old Swede had 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 two weeks ago. That deal is worth $13 million per season.