Overview
- Coach Todd McLellan confirmed Thursday that Dylan Larkin will not play in the season opener on Friday, Oct. 2 against the New York Rangers or the following game against Winnipeg.
- Larkin missed the entire preseason with an upper‑body injury, has returned to on‑ice work but was not cleared for preseason games, and the Red Wings say his earliest chance to play is Oct. 6 or Oct. 9.
- Larkin remains a subject of trade discussion despite the injury, but his full no‑trade/no‑movement clause and an $8.7 million average annual salary through 2030–31 have narrowed feasible trade fits.
- Detroit shifted Steve Yzerman to a senior‑adviser role and named Shawn Horcoff interim GM, and the club has paused major roster moves until a permanent hockey‑operations leader is hired.
- The team removed Larkin’s captaincy in September and his continued absence during Detroit’s four‑game home start could heighten questions about leadership and raise the chance he is dealt before appearing this season.