No Definite Timetable for Game Action as Red Wings Captain Larkin Returns to Ice

There was a sense of hopefulness for the holidays as the vision of Detroit Red Wings captain Dylan Larkin twirling around the ice Thursday morning at Little Caesars Arena was bringing tidings of great joy. However, it’s still a long way from being a Merry Christmas for Larkin and the Red Wings.

Larkin was on the ice in a non-contact jersey. Careful and cautious was the approach everyone was taking to his return to the ice.

Dylan Larkin on the ice this morning. 🙌 pic.twitter.com/MZZprSzbvX

— Detroit Red Wings (@DetroitRedWings) December 14, 2023

“You can see him moving around fairly gingerly,” said Red Wings coach Derek Lalonde, reminding everyone that skating and playing are miles apart on the road to recovery . “On the IR, unavailable for us at least through Saturday (at Philadelphia).”

While not wanting to establish a specific timetable for Larkin’s return, Lalonde did admit to a Christmas wish list regarding his captain’s health.

“Monday (at home vs Anaheim) he’s potentially available for us,” Lalonde said, quickly pointing out the extreme optimism of that statement. “I think that would probably be a little aggressive, but it’s a day-to-day type thing, especially with the upper-body he’s dealing with, so we’ll see how it goes.”

Red Wings Brighten in Larkin’s Presence

He’s their leader both on and off the ice. Seeing Larkin back in his natural surroundings was an uplifting experience for his Detroit teammates. Remember, the last time anyone was seeing him on this ice surface he was face down, unconscious. Larkin was left that way after being decked from behind by Ottawa Senators forward Mathieu Joseph.

Per Coach Lalonde, Dylan Larkin (day-to-day) was back on the ice this morning. He remains on IR and is unavailable through the weekend. Will reevaluate next week.

J.T. Compher (day-to-day) is unavailable tonight.

— Detroit Red Wings (@DetroitRedWings) December 14, 2023

“Obviously a scary incident but all the tests coming back the way they did and to see him out there – not even out there, just around the room, and seeing him again is uplifting for a lot of us in here,” Red Wings forward Robby Fabbri said. “I’m sure for him, for us to come back from the road and to get back around the boys feels good as well.”