What Happened
Detroit Red Wings interim general manager Shawn Horcoff announced Thursday that Dylan Larkin informed the team he will no longer play for Detroit, and the club suspended the veteran centre without pay while it evaluates trade offers. Larkin had requested a trade in the spring but had continued playing. After the announcement, Moritz Seider said the group has to move forward with the players in the room. Detroit then beat the Chicago Blackhawks 4-1 behind Viktor Arvidsson's hat trick.
Key Details
- Larkin was suspended without pay on Thursday after telling the team he will not play.
- Interim GM Shawn Horcoff announced the suspension as Detroit weighs trade offers.
- Larkin requested a trade in the spring but had been playing while awaiting a deal.
- Seider said whoever the team gets in return will be happy to be in Detroit.
- Arvidsson scored three goals in the 4-1 win over Chicago.
- The victory moved Detroit to 6-4-3 on the season.
What It Means
Detroit is now built around a roster without its captain while the front office works through trade offers. Seider's comments point to a group trying to stay focused on the season rather than the departure. The win over Chicago, powered by Arvidsson, offered an immediate response on the ice. Seider is viewed as the likely next captain as the leadership structure shifts.
What's Next
Detroit continues to weigh offers for Larkin, who remains suspended without pay and away from the team. The Red Wings play on without him as the front office works toward a trade.