Red Wings suspend Dylan Larkin without pay
The Detroit Red Wings announced on Thursday that they have suspended center Dylan Larkin without pay.
The decision comes in the wake of Larkin not attending team practice on Wednesday. He had initially been announced as out for Thursday’s game against the Chicago Blackhawks, but then Larkin announced he’d be sitting out until he was traded through his agent, Pat Brisson. In response, the Red Wings will suspend him without pay for the time being.
The Red Wings said the following in a statement announcing the suspension.
“Dylan Larkin has informed us that he will no longer play for the Detroit Red Wings. 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.”
With Larkin making $8.7 million a season on his eight-year contract, that means he will forfeit $41,237.11 in pay each day of his suspension. Larkin is in the fourth year of his contract.
Larkin initially requested a trade in the offseason after the Red Wings failed to qualify for the playoffs for a league-high 10th season in a row. Due to his full no-trade clause, he has full say over which teams he can be traded to. Initially, his list consisted of just three teams – the Florida Panthers, Minnesota Wild, and Vegas Golden Knights – but that list has since expanded to the Carolina Hurricanes, Colorado Avalanche, Dallas Stars, New Jersey Devils, Tampa Bay Lightning, Utah Mammoth and Washington Capitals.
Larkin initially appeared to be fine with playing with the Red Wings until a deal is done, but the recent move indicates that he’s more frustrated with the process than first thought. He was solid when he did play with two goals and four assists for six points in 10 games, but it also wasn’t a performance that was so good that it would drive a trade forward.
