Detroit Red Wings forward Dylan Larkin enters the September 17 training camp without his captaincy after a public trade request, according to a team announcement reported by outlets such as Sportsnet. The 30-year-old center remains under contract through the 2030 season with an $8.7 million cap hit, while the franchise navigates a front-office vacancy following the departure of former general manager Steve Yzerman.
Larkin Stripped of Captaincy Ahead of Camp
According to the Red Wings’ official statement released on Friday, Larkin will participate in the upcoming training camp starting September 17, but he has been stripped of the captaincy effective immediately. The organization announced that the team will begin the 2026–27 NHL season without a designated captain. Further decisions regarding leadership will wait until a new hockey operations leadership team is installed, according to the club.
Larkin’s trade preference became public over the summer, with reports indicating his list included teams in Florida, Minnesota, and Las Vegas. In comments shared through the team’s statement, Larkin noted that all future discussions with the club will remain confidential once a new manager is appointed. “I will focus fully on the upcoming season and the guys in the room,” Larkin said regarding his immediate status with the team.
Front-Office Vacancy Delays Potential Trade
The Red Wings currently stand as the only NHL club operating without a general manager following Steve Yzerman’s departure. Without a general manager in place, the franchise cannot execute player trades, leaving Larkin’s roster status frozen despite his desire to leave a team that has missed the playoffs for a decade. An alternative front-office plan fell through when Jeff Greenberg chose to remain general manager of Major League Baseball’s Detroit Tigers, an organization sharing common ownership under the Ilitch family, according to Sportsnet reporting.
Speculation surrounding the vacant general manager position involves several internal and external candidates. Sportsnet reports that candidates under consideration include Director of Amateur Scouting Kris Draper, Assistant General Manager Shawn Horcoff, former player and executive Brendan Shanahan, and Andrew Thomas, who serves as assistant general manager for the Detroit Tigers.
Moritz Seider Emerges as Leadership Favorite
With the captaincy vacant for the 2026–27 campaign, defenseman Moritz Seider has emerged as a leading candidate to eventually succeed Larkin wearing the ‘C’, according to hockey observers. The Red Wings have stated they will not rush a permanent leadership decision until the new management group officially takes office and evaluates the locker room structure.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did Dylan Larkin lose his captaincy?
The Detroit Red Wings stripped Larkin of his captaincy following his public trade request over the summer and the ongoing uncertainty surrounding his future with the franchise.
Can the Red Wings trade Larkin right now?
No trade can currently occur because the Red Wings are without a general manager following the departure of Steve Yzerman.
When does the Red Wings training camp start?
According to the team’s announcement, the training camp is scheduled to begin on September 17.
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