Dylan Larkin was placed on injured reserve and booed by the Detroit Red Wings crowd during the season opener at Little Caesars Arena before a 2-0 loss to the New York Rangers. Larkin, 30, who requested a trade from the only franchise he has played for, was shown on the video board in street clothes during pregame introductions, drawing loud jeers from fans. Detroit coach Todd Mc Lellan acknowledged the difficult situation, saying Larkin wanted to participate in the ceremony but must live with the consequences of seeking a trade. The Red Wings, playing without a captain, managed only 22 shots against Rangers goaltender Dylan Garand. Larkin, a Waterford, Michigan native and 2014 first-round pick, represented Team USA at the Winter Olympics in Milan earlier this year, winning gold with two goals and three points. He has five seasons remaining on his eight-year, $69.6 million contract signed in 2023, which includes a no-trade clause. Initially, he indicated willingness to be traded only to the Florida Panthers, Minnesota Wild, or Vegas Golden Knights. The team stated further decisions will wait for new hockey operations leadership. Assistant general manager Shawn Horcoff was promoted to interim GM after Steve Yzerman departed in July.
Some fans expressed frustration by chanting "Sell the team!" directed at owner and CEO Chris Ilitch following New York's first goal.
Source: ESPN NHL · Summarized by HeadlinesBriefing