NHL Fans Criticize Larkin After Trade Request Revelation

WHO:

Sportskeeda - Dylan Larkin, captain of the Detroit Red Wings.

Detroit Free Press - Dylan Larkin, Detroit Red Wings teammates, fans.

WHAT:

Detroit Free Press - Larkin stated, "I understand it. I asked for a trade from the Detroit Red Wings as the captain. Actions have consequences."

Detroit Free Press - Larkin expressed relief about not having the "C" on his sweater anymore, saying, "I'm excited to be a part of this team and, you know, back at the bottom of the totem pole, which is maybe kind of nice."

NHL.com - Larkin's agent had provided Detroit with a "short list of teams" he would consider waiving his no-trade clause to join.

NHL.com - The Red Wings announced they would start the season without a captain.

NHL.com - The Red Wings will open the season against the New York Rangers on Oct. 2 (6:30 p.m. ET; TNT, truTV, HBO MAX).

Detroit Free Press - Dylan Larkin publicly addressed his trade request from the Detroit Red Wings.

Detroit Free Press - Larkin has played 11 seasons with the Red Wings, the last six as captain.

Detroit Free Press - Larkin stated, "I'm speaking to you guys today because you guys deserve answers."

Detroit Free Press - Larkin mentioned he is rehabbing an upper-body injury and did not take the ice with teammates on the first day of camp.

Detroit Free Press - Larkin expressed that he wished he could show with his actions how to build trust with his teammates and fans.

Detroit Free Press - Larkin acknowledged that he may face boos from fans when he plays next at Little Caesars Arena.

WHERE:

Detroit Free Press - Little Caesars Arena, home of the Detroit Red Wings.

WHEN:

Detroit Free Press - Larkin spoke to reporters on Thursday, September 17, 2026.

Detroit Free Press - Larkin's trade request became public in early June.

WHY:

Detroit Free Press - Larkin described the reasons for his trade request as "a lot of personal stuff."

Detroit Free Press - Larkin stated, "It was not easy to get to that decision. It was very hard."

HOW:

Detroit Free Press - Larkin avoided social media and kept public interactions short after his trade request became public.

In a surprising turn of events, Dylan Larkin has requested a trade from the Detroit Red Wings, stating, "I understand it. I asked for a trade from the Detroit Red Wings as the captain. Actions have consequences." Larkin also expressed relief about no longer wearing the "C" on his sweater, saying he's excited to be part of the team and appreciates being back at the bottom of the totem pole, while the Red Wings announced they will start the season without a captain and are set to face the New York Rangers on October 2 at 6:30 p.m. ET.