Red Wings’ Devellano: Management has ‘kissed and made up’ with Larkin

While things are still up in the air in Hockeytown regarding Dylan Larkin, the team is apparently trying to mend the fence between the front office and the former captain.

When appearing on the latest edition of Ozzy and Keats, co-hosted by former Detroit Red Wings goaltender Chris Osgood and reporter John Keating, Red Wings alternate governor Jim Devellano explained how the team is back on level terms with Larkin.

“Here’s what I would say to you guys from our end,” Devellano explained. “I’m talking about [interim general manager Shawn Horcoff]. I’m talking about Todd McLellan, our coach, and me, kind of as the old godfather on the side…we’ve kissed and made up.”

Devellano went on to add that he has spoken to Larkin personally, stating that the team wants to keep the Michigan native around for years to come.

“As I’ve said to Dylan personally, ‘Let bygones be bygones. You’re a good player. We really would like you to stay.’ That’s kind of where it sits right now.”

The timing of the episode’s release is very peculiar. The interview was recorded days before a report from The Detroit Free Press’ Helene St. James came out, revealing that Larkin has increased his trade request list to 10 teams. The 30-year-old is willing to be traded to either the Florida Panthers, Minnesota Wild, Vegas Golden Knights, Dallas Stars, Colorado Avalanche, Tampa Bay Lightning, Washington Capitals, Carolina Hurricanes, New Jersey Devils or Utah Mammoth.

Devellano stated he doesn’t know what events led to Larkin submitting a trade request, but that management is doing its due diligence to ensure that the team and player are treated properly.

“I wish it hadn’t happened with Dylan. I can’t go into the reasons why; that wouldn’t be fair because I can’t talk for Dylan…How it’ll play out? I don’t know. He’s on a very good contract with Detroit, and he’s a good person. Right now we’re trying to make it work for Dylan Larkin, and then for the Detroit Red Wings, so we’ll keep our fingers crossed.”

The 2026-27 season marks Larkin’s 12th with his boyhood team, and he appeared in the Stanley Cup Playoffs only once, during his rookie campaign in 2016-17. Since then, he has endured heartbreak and an extended rebuild that has led to Detroit missing the postseason for a franchise-record 10 years in a row.

Larkin has appeared in seven of Detroit’s first nine games, missing the first two due to an apparent injury. No. 71 has been a little productive, scoring a goal and an assist in his return, and has totaled five points thus far.