Yesterday, former Detroit Red Wings captain Dylan Larkin sat out practice. When asked about this, head coach Todd McLellan clarified that it was a maintenance day for the center.
Today, however, things are different.
Max Bultman of The Athletic reported that Larkin will not play in tonight's game against the Chicago Blackhawks. He later added on that interim general manager Shawn Horcoff will "address the situation" soon.
What this means could be anyone's guess.
The disgruntled ex-captain recently expanded his trade list in hopes of getting moved soon. While there haven't been many updates on this front, it seems as if we might see some progress within the next few days at the latest.
If Larkin were injured, the update would likely have come from McLellan himself. Thus, it's led fans to speculate. Has Larkin been traded? Is the team keeping him out to prevent injury? Or is Larkin refusing to play for the Red Wings?
According to NHL insider Elliotte Friedman, the team may just be sitting Larkin to prevent any would-be injuries.
We will see how Horcoff addresses this, but it sounds like current plan is for Larkin not to play until he his traded.
October 29, 2026Still, this is the most progress we've seen in the Larkin market in weeks -- perhaps since before the season started, even.
Trade market allegedly heating up for Larkin
According to Pierre LeBrun of The Athletic, things are heating up across the NHL. "Hearing that trade talks have escalated on Larkin," LeBrun began, "which doesn't mean it necessarily leads to a trade imminently but things have escalated. Things can still go a few different directions at the moment."
This is about as vague as one can get when it comes to updates, but it's an update all the same. We've spent months hearing hypothetical trades and vague indications that something was "coming soon", only to be let down. This time around, the evidence matches what the insiders are saying.
Frank Seravalli believes that the Red Wings plan on sitting Larkin for asset protection purposes.
My understanding is while #LGRW have remained engaged in trade talks, the plan is for Dylan Larkin to sit out for asset protection purposes until a trade is completed.
Sounds like Larkin camp has applied pressure.
Awaiting interim GM Shawn Horcoff to address the situation.
October 29, 2026That said, it's important to note that Seravalli and John Buccigross also implied that a Larkin trade was going to happen "within 7-10 days" nearly two weeks ago. While Seravalli might still be correct, it's important to take what he says with a grain of salt.
Horcoff update coming soon
We will almost certainly receive an update on Larkin's situation from Horcoff as early as today.
Detroit News beat writer Ted Kulfan believes that the most recent update from Horcoff is coming in the form of a statement, not a press conference.
Octopus thrower will continue to provide updates when they become available.
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