​Detroit Red Wings fans were taken by surprise early last month when NHL insider Elliotte Friedman reported that captain Dylan Larkin, who broke his personal best with 34 goals in the 2025-26 season, had requested a trade. The move surprised many because Larkin has deep roots with the organization. The Michigan-born forward grew up rooting for the Red Wings, was named the 37th captain in franchise history, and has long been seen as a cornerstone of the team. Complicating matters for general manager Steve Yzerman, Larkin reportedly would only accept a trade to three specific teams, which limited the club’s ability to maximize return in any potential deal. Although that narrow list was later expanded to include one additional club, one detail has remained constant throughout this saga: no official statements from Larkin or his agent, Pat Brisson, regarding the trade request—something Yzerman himself confirmed had occurred—have been made.
Bookmark The Hockey News Detroit Red Wings team site to stay connected to the latest news, game-day coverage, and player features. The only official confirmation of Larkin’s trade request came from Yzerman, who provided a concise account of events after the 2026 NHL Draft. “Shortly after the season, I received a phone call from Dylan Larkin’s agent informing me that Dylan would like to be traded,” Yzerman said on June 27. “A week or so after that, Dylan’s agent followed up with a short list of teams that Dylan would consider waiving his no-trade clause to go to.”
Top NHL Insider Links: Dylan Larkin To Previously Undisclosed Eastern Club. Detroit Red Wings captain Dylan Larkin remains on the roster more than a month after his trade request went public, and according to NHL Insider Elliotte Friedman, a new contender could be emerging to land him. Yzerman also stressed that granting Larkin’s request wasn’t guaranteed, and that Larkin still has several years left on the contract he signed in 2023. “Having said that, Dylan has five years remaining on his contract,” Yzerman added. “My job as the manager of the Detroit Red Wings is always to do what is in the best interest of the Detroit Red Wings, and I will act accordingly.”
If Yzerman can’t secure an adequate trade package in return for Larkin, the captain could face the awkward prospect of reporting to Training Camp in the fall. Never miss a story—add us to your Google News favorites. For access to the full magazine archive and a free issue, subscribe to The Hockey News at THN.com/free. Get the latest news and trending stories by subscribing to our newsletter here. Share your thoughts on the trade saga and its implications for Detroit and Larkin’s future, and help improve the coverage with your perspective.