Dylan Larkin was given an icy welcome from Red Wings fans on Friday.
Ahead of Detroit’s season opener against the Rangers, Larkin, who is out with an upper-body injury, was met with a barrage of boos from Red Wings fans as he showed up on the video board while being introduced at Little Caesars Arena.
The fans’ jeers stem from Larkin’s trade request from Detroit this summer after spending 11 seasons with the franchise.
Larkin, who has a full no-trade clause, revealed that he wanted to be dealt to the Golden Knights, the Panthers, or the Wild, the Detroit Free Press reported in June.
His trade request kicked off a drama-filled summer for the Red Wings, who saw franchise icon Steve Yzerman step down as general manager in July.
Larkin’s decision also comes after the Red Wings have failed to reach the postseason in ten straight seasons, something the star center has previously criticized management for.
Also, as of Friday, top defenseman Simon Edvinsson remains unsigned with the season already underway.
Larkin, a Michigan native, has been a staple for the Red Wings since being drafted by them in 2014.
Across 808 career games with Detroit, Larkin, 30, has racked up 276 goals and 367 assists, totaling to 643 points, 10th all-time for the Red Wings.
Detroit named him team captain during the 2020-21 season for his leadership, but that title was stripped from the club in September following his trade request.
“The Red Wings will begin the 2026-27 season without a captain being named,” the team said in a statement last month. “Any further discussions or decisions will be made once new hockey operations leadership is in place.”
Larkin has acknowledged the loss of his captaincy, telling reporters last month that he understands “why that decision was made.”
The three-time All-Star still has five seasons remaining on the eight-year, $69.6 million deal he signed back in 2023.
