The Detroit Red Wings have a long list of villains throughout their storied history.
From Tie Domi to Claude Lemieux, there's no shortage of villains to point fingers at over the last century. Even recent foes like Sidney Crosby and Jamie Benn have earned their stripes (albeit for very different reasons).
But one character in particular is quickly becoming one of the biggest villains in recent memory. Of all the dirty players, elite rivals and lights-out goaltenders in Detroit's history, perhaps none comes in the strangest package than soon-to-be-former captain Dylan Larkin.
It isn't the situation that makes Larkin a villain. After all, plenty of NHL players request trades throughout their careers. It's the way in which Larkin is going at it that's making him hated in Hockeytown, though. From the complete lack of communication to the short list he won't budge on, he's making life difficult for every party involved and tarnishing the legacy he had in Detroit.
That's what's making his heel turn so particularly interesting.
Larkin prepared to destroy legacy in Detroit
Like former division rival Brady Tkachuk, it appears that Larkin isn't afraid to burn bridges. Despite being a hometown hero from Waterford and despite playing for the University of Michigan, he's willing to forego what little legacy he's built with the Red Wings to go to a new team.
What's especially insulting for fans is the fact that he hasn't said a word. Larkin's camp hasn't released a statement or press conference or even an indication on how he's feeling. In fact, apart from his meager three (four?) team trade list, we haven't heard much other than confirmations that he requested a trade.
For fans, it's a slap in the face. For the front office, it's one headache after another.
It's hard to imagine Larkin will be remembered for anything other than this. Under Larkin's captaincy, the team failed to make the playoffs once, suffering three collapses in March in a row. This time around, Larkin managed just two even-strength points in the 2026 calendar year. While he did miss a handful of games due to injury, his 67 points are a far cry from what he's capable of producing.
Larkin out of options at this point
At this point, Larkin has one of three options:
- Expand his trade list
- Wait until he's traded
- Wait until a new general manager comes in and work with them to come to an agreement
If Helene St. James is correct, there's no way Larkin's coming back. According to St. James, the organization is furious with the soon-to-be-former captain. Thus, Larkin's left to either wait or work with the new management team.
It's clear that this outcome isn't what he (or the Red Wings) expected. But, no matter how it turns out, it's safe to say Larkin won't be given a heroes' greeting upon his return to Hockeytown.
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