Dylan Larkin’s Future with the Red Wings in Question

Dylan Larkin may soon find himself in a different jersey. Tensions have been rising between him and the management of the Detroit Red Wings, especially after the team failed to reach the playoffs for the 10th straight year. Following this season, Larkin has requested a trade.

The 29-year-old center, who was part of the U.S. Olympic gold medal team, has a substantial contract averaging $8.7 million annually, which lasts through the 2030-31 season. Interestingly, he has a no-trade clause for the upcoming two years, meaning he has some control over his next steps come July 1.

Drafted 15th overall by the Red Wings in 2014, Larkin has grown into a pivotal part of the team’s offense, netting 30 or more goals in each of the last five seasons. This year, his 34 goals placed him in a tie for 25th in the league.

Over his 11 years in Detroit, he’s scored 276 goals and accrued 643 points in 808 games, along with All-Star appearances in 2016, 2022, and 2023. Despite these accomplishments, injuries have plagued Larkin, limiting him to only two full 82-game seasons. For instance, he missed two weeks this year due to a lower-body injury.

While he enjoyed a playoff appearance in his rookie season, the team hasn’t returned to the postseason since then. But perhaps there’s still hope—this year, Detroit was tied for first place in the Eastern Conference as of January 24. Unfortunately, they couldn’t maintain that momentum, concluding the season in sixth place in the Atlantic Division with a record of 41 wins, 31 losses, and 10 ties.

Larkin did express some frustration towards Red Wings management during the last trade deadline for their lack of moves to bolster the team’s playoff chances. Despite this, general manager Steve Yzerman has denied any significant discord between Larkin and the organization. Meanwhile, there has been no comment from Larkin, his agent Pat Brisson, or Yzerman regarding the current situation.