What Happened
Detroit Red Wings forward Dylan Larkin looks likely to make his season debut Tuesday against the Ottawa Senators, head coach Todd McLellan said after morning skate. Larkin has missed Detroit's first two games with an upper-body injury and still has one more hurdle to clear before being cleared to play. The former captain requested a trade in the offseason, a request that still stands, and was booed by fans when introduced from the press box during the season opener.
Key Details
- Larkin missed Detroit's first two games with an upper-body injury.
- McLellan said Larkin still has one more hurdle to clear before playing.
- The trade request Larkin made in the offseason still stands.
- Detroit lost to the New York Rangers and Winnipeg Jets without Larkin.
- Larkin had 34 goals and 33 assists in 74 games last season.
- Marco Kasper and Mason Appleton are out week-to-week; J.T. Compher is day-to-day.
What It Means
Larkin's return would give Detroit its top forward back as the team tries to avoid an 0-3 start. His situation remains unsettled: he lost the captaincy after requesting a trade, and that request has not been withdrawn. Detroit is also short up front, with Kasper and Appleton out week-to-week and Compher day-to-day, so Larkin's availability matters more than usual.
What's Next
If Larkin clears his final hurdle, he would play Tuesday against Ottawa. Detroit continues to manage injuries to Kasper, Appleton and Compher, and Larkin's standing trade request remains unresolved.