Deadspin: Red Wings suspend Dylan Larkin after refusing to play until trade
Suspension follows trade demand
Detroit announced the suspension Thursday after Larkin informed the team he would no longer play for the Red Wings. Interim general manager Shawn Horcoff said the club was disappointed and suspended the forward without pay.
Larkin, 30, asked to be traded over the summer. The Michigan native has played his entire NHL career in Detroit and lost the captaincy on Sept. 11.
Team weighs possible deals
Horcoff said Detroit will continue to explore trade opportunities involving Larkin. He added that a deal requires the player’s approval and must support the Red Wings’ long-term goals and interests.
Larkin’s agent, Pat Brisson of CAA, said his client had reached the end of the situation. Brisson told TSN that he considered Larkin professional and cooperative during the process.
Larkin’s season and career
Larkin missed Wednesday’s practice, which was described at the time as a maintenance day. He has six points, with two goals and four assists, in 10 games this season.
The two-way center is in the fourth season of an eight-year contract worth $69.6 million. Since Detroit selected him 15th overall in the 2014 NHL Draft, he has recorded 649 points in 818 games, including 278 goals and 371 assists.
Key points
- Detroit suspended Larkin without pay after he said he would no longer play for the team.
- Larkin requested a trade over the summer and lost the Red Wings captaincy on Sept. 11.
- Detroit says any trade requires Larkin’s approval and must align with the club’s goals.
- Larkin has six points in 10 games this season and is in year four of an eight-year, $69.6 million deal.