Dylan Larkin Expected to Make Season Debut for Red Wings Following Trade Request

Red Wings center Dylan Larkin is projected to return to the lineup Tuesday against the Senators after requesting a trade in June.

Detroit Red Wings center Dylan Larkin is expected to make his season debut Tuesday night against the Ottawa Senators at Little Caesars Arena. The 30-year-old forward, who has been sidelined with an upper-body injury, practiced Tuesday morning on the top power-play unit and alongside linemates Alex DeBrincat and Lucas Raymond. Coach Todd McLellan stated that Larkin will play if cleared by medical staff following a pre-game evaluation.

Larkin’s return follows a June trade request made three years into an eight-year, $69.6-million contract. While the center originally submitted a three-team list including the Minnesota Wild, Florida Panthers, and Vegas Golden Knights, he has since expanded his preferred destinations. During the offseason, GM Steve Yzerman stepped down and was replaced by interim GM Shawn Horcoff. Following discussions with team leadership, Larkin was stripped of the Red Wings captaincy.

Detroit enters Tuesday's contest seeking offensive production after scoring only two goals in two consecutive losses to open the season. The roster remains depleted by injuries to forwards Mason Appleton, Marco Kasper, and J.T. Compher. Larkin, who ranks 10th in franchise history with 643 points, was booed by home fans when introduced in street clothes during the team's home opener earlier this month.

NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman noted last week that the league is monitoring Larkin's situation regarding the use of trade protection to force moves. Larkin’s contract, signed in March 2023, includes a no-trade clause. The Red Wings are currently attempting to end the longest playoff drought in franchise history, having last qualified for the postseason in 2016.