The Detroit Red Wings are moving toward suspending center Dylan Larkin without pay while the former captain sits out of games and waits for a trade to develop.
Larkin is not expected to play against the Chicago Blackhawks on Thursday night at Little Caesars Arena, and reports indicate he will remain out for the foreseeable future as discussions continue.
His agent, Pat Brisson, released a statement Thursday saying, “Dylan’s had enough of the situation.” Brisson added, “We believe he’s been very professional and cooperative through this process.”
The 30-year-old center first requested a trade in the offseason and provided the organization with a list of preferred destinations. That list has grown to 10 teams, including the Minnesota Wild, Florida Panthers, Vegas Golden Knights, Dallas Stars, Washington Capitals, Carolina Hurricanes, Utah Mammoth, Tampa Bay Lightning, New Jersey Devils and Colorado Avalanche.
Minnesota has been among the most active clubs pursuing him, according to league sources. Other teams have shown interest, but salary-cap constraints and the Red Wings’ desire for a strong return have slowed progress.
Larkin is in the fourth year of an eight-year, $69.6 million contract that carries an $8.7 million average annual value and runs through the 2030-31 season. He holds a no-trade clause, which limits the market and gives him leverage in the process.
If the Red Wings suspend him for refusing to play, he would forfeit roughly $41,237 per day, according to TSN reports. The situation draws comparisons to goaltender Connor Hellebuyck, who lost significant pay while suspended by the Winnipeg Jets earlier this season before eventually being traded.
Larkin has two goals and four assists for six points in 10 games this season, along with 32 shots on goal and a plus-3 rating while averaging 21 minutes and 41 seconds of ice time. He scored in a shootout win over the Edmonton Oilers earlier this week.
Over his career, the Waterford, Michigan, native has 278 goals and 649 points in 818 games, all with Detroit after the team selected him 15th overall in the 2014 draft. He previously served as captain for six seasons before the organization removed the “C” ahead of training camp.
Interim general manager Shawn Horcoff is expected to address the situation after coach Todd McLellan confirmed Larkin would not dress Thursday. McLellan described Wednesday’s absence as a maintenance day before the full picture emerged.
Talks between Larkin’s representatives and the Red Wings occurred Wednesday night and again Thursday morning. Sources said the player feels he has given the team ample time since the initial request to complete a deal.
The Red Wings have been careful not to accept a futures-heavy package and continue evaluating options both on and off Larkin’s preferred list. The organization has stated publicly that any move must benefit the team.
Larkin reported to camp and played the first 10 games of the regular season while the trade market developed. His decision to sit out now increases the pressure on both sides as the season moves forward.
The Red Wings hold a 5-4-3 record entering Thursday’s game. Larkin’s absence removes their top center and a key faceoff and power-play option from the lineup.
League observers note that the longer the holdout continues, the more daily salary Larkin stands to lose if a formal suspension is imposed. Both sides have indicated the situation remains fluid as additional teams are contacted.
