Ex-captain Larkin to be at Red Wings camp despite trade request

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Longtime Red Wings captain Dylan Larkin will report to training camp in Detroit next week, despite his summer trade request.

However the Red Wings announced they will begin the season without a captain.

"Over the past couple of weeks, Red Wings leadership and I have had several in-depth discussions. I've appreciated those candid conversations, and I will be at training camp with my teammates," Larkin said in a statement. "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."

In July, shortly after Larkin's trade request became public, the Red Wings announced Steve Yzerman would no longer be the team's general manager. Yzerman, a franchise legend and Hall of Famer, had been GM since 2019. Detroit entered a rebuild in that time, but now hasn't made the playoffs in 10 straight years.

The team hired a search firm which has been conducting interviews for a new GM, but have yet to announce a hire. Detroit opens training camp Sept. 17.

In a statement, the Red Wings said they "look forward to seeing Dylan and his teammates at Little Caesars for the start of training camp."

"Any further discussions or decisions regarding this topic will be made once new hockey operations leadership is in place," the team said.

Larkin, 30, grew up in nearby Waterford, Michigan, and played at the University of Michigan. He was selected by his hometown team in the first round of the 2014 NHL draft.

Larkin debuted in the 2015-16 season for the Red Wings and the team made the playoffs in his rookie season -- the final year of the franchise's NHL-record 25-year playoff streak. Detroit lost to Tampa Bay in five games in the first round and hasn't returned since.

Larkin was a key member of the 2026 U.S. men's Olympic team which won its first gold medal since 1980. He was especially important defensively and on special teams, part of a penalty killing unit that went a flawless 18-for-18 in Milan.

The Minnesota Wild -- led by Bill Guerin, also the GM of Team USA -- have tried to acquire Larkin, according to sources. However the sides have been at a stalemate this summer, especially as Detroit's GM seat is vacant.

Larkin had been Detroit's captain since 2021. He ranks 10th in franchise history in both goals (276) and points (643).

The Red Wings offseason has been defined by uncertainty. That led in part to the free agent departure of Patrick Kane, who returned to Chicago. Another key piece of business that's unresolved: ascending star defenseman Simon Edvisson is due for a contract extension.