Overview
- Detroit said Larkin missed practice on Wednesday as a maintenance day but announced on Thursday that he would not play against the Chicago Blackhawks while interim GM Shawn Horcoff prepares an update.
- Multiple NHL insiders report that trade discussions over Larkin intensified on Thursday, though no deal has been completed and Larkin remains under contract in Detroit.
- Larkin controls his destination with a full no‑trade clause and an expanded 10‑team approved list, which limits Detroit’s suitors and keeps potentially asset‑rich clubs off the table unless he widens the list further.
- The Red Wings are asking for a premium return—reported as two A‑grade prospects, an NHL‑ready top‑nine forward and a first‑round pick—while Larkin’s $8.7 million average annual value through 2030–31 and salary‑cap mechanics narrow realistic trade partners.
- Detroit also faces an urgent parallel issue: unsigned restricted free agent Simon Edvinsson must be signed or dealt by Dec. 1 to remain eligible this season, and Red Wings scouting of teams not on Larkin’s list suggests three‑team or alternative deals are being explored.