Detroit Red Wings suspend Dylan Larkin after agent confirms he will stop playing

The Detroit Red Wings suspended center Dylan Larkin without pay and removed him from the roster on Thursday. The move followed a report from the team that Larkin’s agent told management the player would no longer suit up for the franchise. The suspension came shortly before Detroit hosted the Chicago Blackhawks.

Interim general manager Shawn Horcoff said the organization was disappointed by the decision. He noted the player’s obligations to the team and his teammates. Horcoff stated he tried to keep Larkin in a Red Wings jersey but was unsuccessful. The coach, Todd McLellan, told reporters earlier in the day that Larkin would not play in the matchup.

Larkin requested a trade during the offseason after the Red Wings missed the playoffs for the tenth consecutive year. He began the season on the roster but without the captaincy. His agent, Pat Brisson, did not return messages seeking comment. Horcoff said the team has spoken with franchises on Larkin’s list and has received calls from other interested clubs. The team is trying to find a solution that works for both sides.

The 30-year-old from Waterford, Michigan, has two goals and six assists in 10 games this season. His career totals stand at 278 goals and 649 points in 818 games. He was drafted by Detroit 15th overall in 2014. Larkin helped the United States win Olympic gold in Milan Cortina in February. He recently returned from an upper-body injury and scored in his season debut against Ottawa. He also scored in Monday’s win at Edmonton.

Larkin holds a full no-trade clause in his eight-year contract. Five years remain on the deal with an annual salary cap hit of $8.7 million. He initially agreed to trades only to Florida, Minnesota, and Vegas. He reportedly added more teams to his list in recent weeks. Horcoff said it is difficult to complete a trade with the current list of preferred destinations. He aims to acquire players who can help immediately and is open to receiving prospects and draft picks.

Winnipeg became the second team this fall to suspend a player without pay after a trade request. They sent goaltender Connor Hellebuyck to New Jersey last week. Larkin will forfeit roughly $41,000 per day while suspended. The Red Wings also have other roster issues. Standout defenseman Simon Edvinsson remains an unsigned restricted free agent. The 23-year-old Swede had nine goals and 25 points in 72 games last season. The team wants to keep him and has no interest in signing and trading him. The Red Wings signed Alex DeBrincat to a seven-year deal worth $13 million per season two weeks ago.