Former Red Wings Captain Dylan Larkin Faces Backlash from Fans After Trade Request

Dylan Larkin received a chilly reception from Detroit Red Wings supporters on Friday night, as boos echoed through Little Caesars Arena when his image appeared on the video board during the team’s season opener against the New York Rangers.

The negative reaction from fans stems directly from Larkin’s trade request issued earlier this summer, ending his 11-season tenure with the organization. The 30-year-old center, currently sidelined with an upper-body injury, was introduced as part of the scratches for the opening game.

According to reports from the Detroit Free Press, Larkin—a Michigan native who holds a full no-trade clause—expressed interest in being dealt to the Vegas Golden Knights, Florida Panthers, or Minnesota Wild. His departure request marked the beginning of a chaotic offseason for Detroit, which culminated in franchise icon Steve Yzerman resigning as general manager in July.

The trade request also highlighted growing tensions between Larkin and team management, particularly regarding the organization’s prolonged playoff drought. The Red Wings have failed to qualify for the postseason in ten consecutive seasons, a point Larkin had previously criticized publicly.

Meanwhile, star defenseman Simon Edvinsson remained unsigned as of Friday, adding to the uncertainty surrounding the team’s roster heading into the new season.

Detroit had named Larkin captain during the 2020-21 season in recognition of his leadership qualities, but the organization stripped him of that honor in September following his trade request. In a statement released last month, the Red Wings announced they would open the 2026-27 season without a captain, noting that any future decisions would await the appointment of new hockey operations leadership.

Larkin acknowledged the loss of his captaincy, telling reporters last month that he understood “why that decision was made.” Despite the controversy, he remains under contract through the 2030-31 season, with five years left on his eight-year, $69.6 million deal signed in 2023.

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