Relax – Red Wings Aren’t Trading Larkin

It all began from a quote uttered by Detroit Red Wings captain Dylan Larkin during the club’s locker clean out day. The captain willingly acknowledged that there was a letdown when the team didn’t do more at the NHL trade deadline to help with the playoff drive.

This was only human nature. We’ve all been there. You’re expecting something big to happen and it doesn’t. It’s only logical there would be disappointment.

Dylan Larkin and the Red Wings were not too thrilled with how Steve Yzerman played the trade deadline this year 👀
pic.twitter.com/DwBSpgIzAa

— Spittin' Chiclets (@spittinchiclets) April 21, 2025

Quickly, though, the clickbait sites pounced. Suddenly, Larkin was at odds with Red Wings GM Steve Yzerman. The next thing you know, Larkin trade stories began emerging. Some quasi-legitimate sites even decided to pick up the ball and run with these unfounded rumors.

Everyone needs to just stop and take a breath, because it ain’t happening. The Red Wings aren’t trading Larkin.

For starters, the captain has a complete no-movement clause in his contract that runs through the 2027-28 season. And if the Wings were thinking of dealing Larkin, the time to move him would’ve been before deciding to ink him to an eight-year, $69.6-million contract.

Larkin Is Face Of Red Wings Franchise

Throughout Detroit’s ordeal – nine seasons without playoff hockey – Larkin has stood as the face of his team. He’s answered every question, invested his heart and soul into helping this team grow and improve.

You think this slump has been hard on you? Consider how it’s been to be Larkin.

Forelorn Larkin images are commonplace in these parts.

That's 30 on the season for Dylan Larkin pic.twitter.com/lTeyjhoZck

— Detroit Red Wings (@DetroitRedWings) April 17, 2025

“Yeah, it’s been difficult,” Larkin frankly admits. “I mean, it’s probably something I think about a lot. I mean, I think about it every day for a long time during days and just bounce back and forth. But that doesn’t do you any good. You got to go out and play and win hockey games. And we came up about 5, 6 wins short this year.”

You know what he’s never done during this entire ordeal? Asked to get out from under it. Sought out an escape hatch.

Instead, he embraces the opportunity. Larkin wants to fight through the pain, to be part of the ultimate solution.

“I do take it hard and I want to help this team get to the playoffs,” Larkin said. “And not just get to the playoffs, but win the Stanley Cup. That’s the ultimate goal here. It’s not just making the playoffs, but winning the Stanley Cup. And we need, we have a lot of work to do all over the board here for us to become champions.”

McLellan Admires Larkin’s Perseverence

Since he’s taken over the reins of the Red Wings, coach Todd McLellan’s admiration of Larkin and respect for his selfless leadership had grown by leaps and bounds.

“He’s from Detroit,” McLellan said. “It’s not an easy task, but he’s accepted that responsibility when the torch was passed to him. And with that comes a burden.

“So Dylan’s got a lot on his shoulders and he’s a long time Red Wing already. Can’t believe I’m saying that because he’s still relatively young, but he’s a longtime Red Wing and I think he carries a lot of the burden of the group.”

You know who else did that while serving as captain of the Red Wings? Yzerman. He endured years of heartbreak and disappointment before finally getting to the promised land as a Stanley Cup champion in his 14th NHL season.

There was even a time during the drought years when Yzerman trade rumors circulated in Hockeytown. But it never happened.

Just as it won’t be happening with Larkin. Knowing what he knows about Larkin’s commitment to the franchise, and having lived through a similar ordeal as captain of the team, it would be the ultimate heel turn by Yzerman to trade Larkin.