Red Wings Shocker: Dylan Larkin Requests Trade

In a shocking turn of events in the Motor City, Detroit Red Wings captain Dylan Larkin has requested a trade. Insider Elliotte Friedman dropped the news this afternoon.

BREAKING NEWS: Dylan Larkin has requested a trade out of Detroit, per @FriedgeHNIC pic.twitter.com/6gy7VonwWn
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Friedman cites multiple sources indicating that the trade request was made.

But he adds that no one would comment on it today, including Larkin, his agent Pat Brisson, and Red Wings Executive Vice-President & GM Steve Yzerman.

As the Friedge notes, "Larkin’s involvement in the trade market is massive. He has a full no-trade clause both this season and next, so his control over the situation does not change July 1. He’s a top-line centre in a league desperate for centres, so there’s going to be a ton of interest."

He also surmises two critical components that may have led to the trade request: Detroit’s inability to make the playoffs, a drought which has reached a full decade now, and what Friedman calls "a somewhat frosty relationship between the captain and Yzerman."

We recall that after the 2025 trade deadline, Larkin wasn't shy in calling out Yzerman, voicing his disappointment that the team made no trade additions to give them some help in trying to end the playoff drought and get to the next level. They missed out on a Wild Card spot by five points that year.

One move was made this season at the deadline, as the Wings acquired defenseman Justin Faulk from the St. Louis Blues, but it obviously wasn't enough, as they missed the playoffs by seven points, their 10th straight year out of the big dance.

Larkin has posted five straight 30-goal seasons, and has served as the captain since 2021. He has five years remaining on an 8-year deal with an $8.7 million AAV.

More to come as this unfolds.