Red Wings Still Expecting Larkin to Play Thursday at Ottawa

Asked by reporters about the present whereabouts of Captain Dylan Larkin, Detroit Red Wings coach Todd McLellan planted tongue firmly in cheek.

“MIA,” McLellan said.

In reality, the Red Wings know exactly what’s going on with Larkin, and when they expect to see him in person again.

Todd McLellan provides an update on Dylan Larkin’s return (he’s not MIA🤣) @DetroitRedWings #LGRW pic.twitter.com/zn4IpV4aLW

— Daniella Bruce (@daniellabruce_) February 24, 2026

“From what I understand, obviously the President’s invited that team to Washington (for Tuesday’s State of the Union Address),” McLellan said. “And I believe that’s where they’re at. And if all goes well and weather and flights and everything cooperate, I think he can sleep in his own bed late tonight.

“So we’ll have him around the arena tomorrow. I’m not sure if he’ll skate.”

The one thing McLellan and his staff are certain about is where Larkin will be when the team returns to NHL regular-season action on Thursday in Ottawa against the Senators.

“Expect him to be on the plane and then be a factor in Ottawa on Thursday night,” McLellan said.

Red Wings Practice Returning To Normal

Detroit’s two other Olympians, defenseman Moritz Seider and forward Lucas Raymond, were both back at practice on Tuesday.

Look who’s back! pic.twitter.com/m80YWWtbHR

— Detroit Red Wings (@DetroitRedWings) February 24, 2026

Playing for Germany, Seider believes his first taste of Olympic hockey deepened his love for the game.

“Just a lot of joy,” Seider said of the experience. “I think it was a lot of fun playing in those games in every single one, no matter if you win or lose. And that’s something I really want to take away.

“Just remember why it’s such a fun sport to play, and I think I just should remind myself every single day of that.”

Raymond and Sweden lost to Larkin and the USA in a 2-1 quarterfinal overtime setback. He believes that heartbreak will only serve to fortify his determination to get the Red Wings into the Stanley Cup playoffs for the first time since the spring of 2016.

“You want to come back from a break like that, energized, and I feel like that,” Raymond said. “I feel ready to go here. Obviously, leaves a little bitter, bittersweet taste, leaving like we did in the quarterfinals.

“So kind of just want to get going here. So I’m excited to be back here. I feel good, and I’m ready to go.”