Dylan Larkin will likely have to face the music (or, more accurately, the boos) in Detroit on Tuesday.
Red Wings head coach Todd McLellan told local reporters that the club’s former captain will play against the Ottawa Senators if doctors clear him this afternoon, per MLive’s Ansar Khan. Larkin reportedly “has one more medical hurdle to clear.”
Larkin missed the Red Wings’ first two games of the season with an upper-body injury sustained during a workout that also sidelined him during the preseason. He reported to Detroit’s training camp and participated in a limited role during practices.
After being stripped of his captaincy ahead of the season amid an unresolved, public trade request, Larkin appeared on the bench for the team’s home opener introductions. He was greeted by extremely loud boos from the home fans and quickly went down the tunnel before introductions concluded.
The disgruntled crowd in Little Caesars Arena also chanted “sell the team” and brought signs mocking and criticizing Detroit’s new public enemy number one.
Larkin requested a trade and provided a short list of teams he was willing to land on, shortly after the 2025-26 season, following Detroit’s 10th straight postseason miss. The list has grown slightly as his situation has stalled, and reportedly now includes the Washington Capitals.
Puck drop is set for 7 pm as the Red Wings look for their first win of the season, but those in Detroit can likely listen for the boos to determine when the team takes the ice.
