The Detroit Red Wings entered the offseason following another disappointing finish, extending the longest postseason drought in the NHL to a 10th season.
Despite stretches of strong play during the 2025-26 season, the team again fell short of a postseason berth, finishing the year with a 41-31-10 record and 92 points, seven points shy of the second wild-card spot in the Eastern Conference.
Center Dylan Larkin has been central to the franchise since Detroit selected him with the No. 15 overall pick in the 2014 NHL Draft.
Larkin has been the franchise's captain since 2021, and he's remained one of its most consistent performers, recording at least 67 points in each of the past five seasons and topping out at 79 in 2023.
Eric Hartline-Imagn Images
However, the 29-year-old center's days in Detroit may be numbered. According to Sportsnet's Elliotte Friedman, Larkin has informed the Red Wings that he would like to be traded this offseason.
“According to multiple sources, Dylan Larkin recently requested a trade from Detroit,” Friedman wrote. “There’s a lot to unpack here. First, should mention that no one would comment. Not Larkin, not agent Pat Brisson, not Red Wings Executive Vice-President & GM Steve Yzerman.”
Friedman added that no public comments have been made — nor will be made — by Larkin, general manager Steve Yzerman, or any other key figures within the franchise regarding the situation.
“Because no one will talk, we can only guess at the rationale,” Friedman said, while noting Detroit’s lack of postseason play and the tension between Larkin and management as possible factors for the friction.
On top of the trade request, Larkin has publicly expressed frustration in the past about the team’s direction and lack of progress.
Larkin is under contract through 2030-31 with an $8.7 million cap hit and holds a full no-trade clause.
Through the end of the 2025-26 season, Larkin has appeared in 808 games with Detroit while totaling 643 points, including 276 goals. He already ranks 10th in games played, total points, goals, and assists among all-time Red Wings players.
