The Dylan Larkin saga took another turn on Thursday.
Hours after reports emerged that trade talks surrounding the Detroit Red Wings’ disgruntled former captain have intensified, the team announced that the forward has been suspended without pay.
Larkin, 30, issued a trade request over the summer.
“Dylan Larkin has informed us that he will no longer play for the Detroit Red Wings,” interim general manager Shawn Horcoff said in a statement. “We are disappointed by his decision, particularly given his obligations to the organization and his teammates. We have therefore suspended Dylan without pay. We will continue to explore trade opportunities involving Dylan. In addition to needing his approval, any trade must also be in the best interests of the Detroit Red Wings and support the organization’s long-term goals. I want to thank and commend our coaches and players for their continued focus, and being committed to competing every day.”
Earlier on Thursday, Larkin’s agent, Pat Brisson, issued a statement of his own, indicating his client had grown tired of his circumstances.
“Dylan’s had enough of the situation,“ Brisson said. ”We believe he’s been very professional and cooperative through this process.”
A native of Waterford, MI, Larkin has spent the entirety of his 12-year career with the Red Wings. He has two goals and four assists in 10 games this season.
After initially issuing a three-team trade list, Larkin expanded his acceptable targets to 10 teams in a bid to expedite a move.
Larkin is in the fourth season of an eight-year, $69.6 million deal.
