Detroit Red Wings center Dylan Larkin is being held out of the lineup for "trade-related" reasons, league sources told ESPN. Coach Todd McLellan said Larkin would not play Thursday's game against the Chicago Blackhawks in Detroit. Larkin did not practice Thursday morning after taking a "maintenance day" on Wednesday. McLellan said interim general manager Shawn Horcoff would address the situation later.
Larkin made a trade demand in June, and his representatives have pushed the Red Wings to strike a deal, sources said. Multiple teams remain in the mix, with the Minnesota Wild among the most aggressive in pursuing him. Larkin, who holds a no-trade clause, is in the fourth season of an eight-year, $69.6 million contract carrying an average annual value of $8.7 million against the salary cap.
ESPN confirmed last week that Larkin has expanded his list of potential destinations to 10 teams. He initially named the Wild, Florida Panthers and Vegas Golden Knights. He has since added the Carolina Hurricanes, Colorado Avalanche, Dallas Stars, New Jersey Devils, Tampa Bay Lightning, Utah Mammoth and Washington Capitals. Despite Montreal Canadiens fans chanting "We want Larkin!" recently, a source said he is not seeking a trade to a Canadian team.
Larkin, 30, was stripped of the team captaincy after reporting to training camp. He has two goals and four assists in 10 games, averaging 21:41 of ice time. Drafted No. 15 overall by Detroit in 2014, he has played his entire NHL career with the Red Wings and ranks 10th in franchise history with 649 points.
Source: ESPN NHL · Summarized by HeadlinesBriefing