Despite requesting a trade shortly after the 2025-26 season, Dylan Larkin will report to the Detroit Red Wings‘ training camp next week, but the team will start the season without a captain as a result.
Both Larkin and the team released statements on X Friday morning, confirming Larkin’s training camp attendance and the stripping of his captaincy.
“Over the past couple of weeks, Red Wings leadership and I have had several in-depth discussions,” Larkin’s statement reads. “I’ve appreciated those candid conversations, and I will be at training camp with my teammates. When new leadership is in place, we’ll talk further about the direction of the team. We will keep those conversations private, and I will keep my focus on the season ahead and on the guys in that room.”
“The Red Wings will begin the 2026-27 season without a captain being named,” the Red Wings added. “Any further discussions or decisions regarding this topic will be made once new hockey operations leadership is in place. “We look forward to seeing Dylan and the rest of his teammates at Little Caesars Arena for the start of training camp as we prepare for the upcoming season.”
Larkin had worn the “C” since January 13, 2021, serving six seasons in the role. That reign tied Sid Abel, Nicklas Lidstrom, and Henrik Zetterberg for the third-longest uninterrupted captaincy in franchise history, behind only Steve Yzerman and Alex Delvecchio.
Both statements also say the trade discussion will resume once a new GM is named, along with captaincy decisions. Steve Yzerman, the team’s former general manager and executive vice president, was released from those duties on July 15. Yzerman remains a senior advisor to CEO Chris Ilitch, with his former roles still vacant.
Larkin’s agent called Yzerman informing him of Larkin’s trade request shortly after the season, and sent a small list of teams he was willing to waive his no-move clause for about a week later (reportedly the Minnesota Wild, Vegas Golden Knights, and Florida Panthers), Yzerman shared on June 27 following the 2026 Draft. At the time, Yzerman made no guarantees that he or the team would fulfill Larkin’s request.
The request became public after Elliotte Friedman first reported it on June 4. Over the offseason, Larkin reportedly expanded his trade list, eventually landing on the Dallas Stars as his alleged top choice.
The 30-year-old still has five years remaining on his eight year, $8.7 million AAV contract and has been a 30+ goal scorer for the past five seasons (dating back to Covid-shortened seasons). In his 12 season NHL career, all with the Red Wings, he played in 808 games and recorded 643 points (276g, 367a).
The Minnesota Wild had reportedly attempted to acquire Larkin over the summer, but no deal was reached with them or any other teams.
