Dylan Larkin, the Detroit Red Wings’ captain and the last player from the 2016 Stanley Cup squad, has reportedly asked management to trade him.. The request surfaces as Detroit approaches a historic 10‑year playoff absence, the longest active droght in the NHL. Larkin still has five years left on a contract worth $8.7 million per season and a no‑trade clause for the next two years,according to NHL insiders.

Larkin’s Contract Details and No‑Trade Leverage

Larkin’s deal runs through the 2028‑29 season with an $8.7 million cap hit, placing him among the team’s highest‑paid players. He also holds a full no‑trade clause for the next two seasons, after which he can submit a ten‑team list of preferred destinations.. As Elliotte Friedman reported, the clause gives Larkin significant bargaining power, but it also limits the Red Wings’ flexibility in negotiating a return package.

Detroit’s Ten‑Year Playoff Absence Fuels the Fallout

The Red Wings have now missed the postseason for ten straight seasons, a streak that eclipses any previous drought in franchise history . darren Dreger noted that the prolonged failure to qualify has been a “significant factor” in Larkin’s decision, suggesting the captain is tired of rebuilding cycles that have not yielded results. The lack of playoff revenue and dwindling fan morale add pressure on ownership to act decisively.

Potential Trade Targets and Market Interest

While no official list has been confirmed, Larkin’s no‑trade clause allows him to name up to ten teams he would consider. Analysts speculate that contenders in the Eastern Conference, such as the Tampa Bay Lightning or the New York Rangers, could be interested given Larkin’s scoring rank—10th all‑time in Red Wings history—and his leadership pedigree. However, the Red Wings’ $8.7 million cap hit may deter smaller‑market clubs.

Management’s Dilemma: Retain a Captain or Rebuild

General manager Steve Yzerman now faces a crossroads: keep Larkin as the face of a rebuilding project or trade him for assets that could accelerate a turnaround. According to the report, questions loom over whether Detroit has “done enough to insulate Larkin and augment the team.” The decision will likely shape the franchise’s trajectory for the next five years.

Unanswered Questions: Who Will Pay Larkin’s Salary?

The most immediate unknown is which club, if any, will absorb Larkin’s $8 .7 million cap hit. Additionally, it remains unclear whether Detroit will receive a player‑for‑player swap, prospects, or draft picks in return. As the trade window approaches, the league will watch closely to see if Larkin’s request forces a blockbuster move or if he remains in Detroit for the remainder of his contract.