Dylan Larkin Suspended Without Pay as Detroit Divorce Turns Costly
Dylan Larkin is officially no longer playing for the Detroit Red Wings, sitting out until his trade request is met after informing the club he would no longer suit up for his hometown team, Daily Faceoff reported. In response, the Red Wings suspended the 30-year-old center without pay, removed his nameplate from the dressing room, and stripped him of his captaincy, according to Sportsnet and Yahoo Sports.
The escalating dispute has taken an expensive turn for Larkin, who is forfeiting more than $41,000 every day of his suspension, according to a fan-created website tracking his lost earnings. Unlike goaltender Connor Hellebuyck, who refused to report to Winnipeg Jets training camp before being traded to the New Jersey Devils, Larkin initially reported to Detroit camp and began the season before the situation boiled over, Yahoo Sports noted. Interim general manager Shawn Horcoff expressed disappointment in Larkin’s decision during a Thursday-night media conference covered by Sportsnet, pointing out that the forward is only in the fourth year of an eight-year contract running through 2031.
Minnesota Wild Pursue Trade Amid Valuation Disconnect
The Minnesota Wild have been the most active team trying to acquire Larkin, according to TSN’s Pierre LeBrun via Daily Faceoff. Wild general manager Bill Guerin knows Larkin well from international play with Team USA, but trade talks have stalled over Detroit’s demands. Daily Faceoff reported that Wild sources called the Red Wings’ asking price “unrealistic,” noting that Minnesota has dangled center Danila Yurov as a centerpiece without moving the needle.
Statement from Pat Brisson, agent for Dylan Larkin, regarding his client deciding not to play while awaiting a trade:“Dylan’s had enough of the situation. We believe he’s been very professional and cooperative through this process.”
Larkin has recorded just two goals and six points through 10 games this season, dampening the Wild’s appetite to up their offer. An Eastern Conference executive told Daily Faceoff that Minnesota “have to win now” in their current window and will likely “have to lose a deal to acquire Larkin,” suggesting Guerin might need to entertain moving 2021 first-round goaltender Jesper Wallstedt. However, Wild sources emphatically told Daily Faceoff that Wallstedt is in no way on the table, while a Western Conference executive pointed out that the Red Wings do not need a goaltender anyway with Trey Augustine in their pipeline.
Philadelphia Flyers Emerge as Third-Party Broker
With Yurov and prospect center Charlie Stramel failing to satisfy Detroit’s demands on their own, and high-profile alternatives like Vancouver’s Elias Pettersson poorly valued by the Red Wings, attention has turned to the Philadelphia Flyers. Daily Faceoff reported that the Flyers are willing to act as a third-party broker to help facilitate a trade between Minnesota and Detroit.
"No team has tried more to trade for Larkin than the Wild."@PierreVLeBrun says the Wild have been all in on Dylan Larkin 👀#MNWild pic.twitter.com/ve1NgXsMhi
Salary cap complications remain a hurdle for the Wild, who have looked to offload winger Yakov Trenin. Trenin carries a $3.5-million AAV through next season and holds a 10-team no-trade clause. According to Flyers sources, Philadelphia would be willing to absorb Trenin’s contract for the right price, with prospect Charlie Stramel representing the likely cost of doing business for the Flyers to take on that term.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Larkin Trade Saga
Why did the Detroit Red Wings suspend Dylan Larkin?
The Red Wings suspended Larkin without pay after the 30-year-old center and his agent, Pat Brisson, informed the team on Thursday that he would no longer play for his hometown franchise until his trade request was fulfilled.
How much money is Larkin losing daily during his suspension?
According to a fan-created website tracking his lost earnings, Larkin is forfeiting just over $41,000 every single day he remains suspended without pay by the organization.
Which NHL teams are most heavily involved in trade talks?
TSN’s Pierre LeBrun reported via Daily Faceoff that the Minnesota Wild have been the most active team pursuing Larkin, while the Philadelphia Flyers have emerged as a potential third-party broker to help absorb contract terms.
NEW Rumblings for @TheAthletic, Breaking down Dylan Larkin’s 10-team list, plus latest on Jason Robertson and Simon Edvinsson. Free to read ⤵️https://t.co/xavsjRCqlA
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