Detroit suspends Dylan Larkin without pay

The Detroit Red Wings suspended center Dylan Larkin without pay on Thursday. The team also removed him from the active roster. This move follows a statement from Larkin's agent indicating the player no longer intends to play for the franchise.

Interim general manager Shawn Horcoff issued a statement shortly before Detroit hosted the Chicago Blackhawks. He expressed disappointment in Larkin's decision. Horcoff noted that Larkin had specific obligations to the organization and his teammates during this period.

Head coach Todd McLellan informed reporters earlier in the day that Larkin would not suit up for the game against Chicago. He mentioned that Horcoff was expected to address the situation publicly. Larkin is the second National Hockey League player suspended without pay this fall after requesting a trade during the offseason.

Winnipeg Jets goaltender Connor Hellebuyck faced a similar fate before being traded to New Jersey last week. Larkin will forfeit approximately $41,000 in salary for each day he remains suspended. He is a 30-year-old center from Waterford, Michigan, who was drafted by Detroit in the 2014 NHL Entry Draft.

Larkin made his professional debut with the Red Wings in the 2015-16 season. He has recorded 278 goals and 649 points across 818 career games. This season, he has two goals and six assists in his first 10 games. He was a key contributor when the United States won Olympic gold at the Milan Cortina Games in February.

Larkin requested a trade during the offseason after the Red Wings extended their postseason drought to a decade. He started the season on the roster but without the captaincy. He scored in his season debut after being booed on his first shift, helping Detroit defeat Ottawa. He also scored in a win against Edmonton on Monday night.

Horcoff stated he attempted to keep Larkin in a Red Wings jersey. He said he was unsuccessful in that effort. Larkin holds a full no-trade clause in his eight-year contract, which has five years remaining. The contract carries an annual salary cap hit of $8.7 million. He initially agreed to trades only with Florida, Minnesota, and Vegas, though he reportedly added more teams to that list recently.

Horcoff said he spoke with teams on Larkin's list and received calls from other interested clubs. He is seeking a solution that fits both sides. His goal is to acquire players who can help immediately. He is open to deals involving prospects and draft picks if they provide a fair return for a player of Larkin's caliber. He noted that the limited list of acceptable teams makes the trade difficult to complete.

The Red Wings also face uncertainty regarding defenseman Simon Edvinsson. The 23-year-old restricted free agent remains unsigned nearly a month into the season. He recorded nine goals and 25 points in 72 games last year. Detroit drafted him in the first round in 2021. Horcoff said the team wants Edvinsson on the roster and has no interest in signing and trading him. He added that nothing has changed regarding Edvinsson's status.