Larkin’s Absence From Red Wings Practice Has Trade Talk Heating Up

---

Dylan Larkin was not on the ice as the Detroit Red Wings began practice on Wednesday. That raised questions about a possible trade in the works or whether something else was cooking behind the scenes. According to Helene St. James, this was just a maintenance day for Larkin.

It’s understandable why the media might have jumped to an early conclusion when Larkin wasn’t skating. Trade talk continues to surround the forward, who has requested a trade and has not backed away from his desire for a fresh start elsewhere.

No Dylan Larkin on the ice https://t.co/VnTFtdK8HG

— Helene St. James (@HeleneStJames) October 28, 2026

Elliotte Friedman recently reported that both Larkin and defenseman Simon Edvinsson are hoping to be moved. Edvinsson hasn’t signed an extension. Larkin is still under contract and playing for Detroit while he awaits a potential trade. The latest reports suggest he’s expanded his trade list to 10 teams.

Friedman noted, “I absolutely think [the Red Wings] are wanting to hit a grand slam…especially in the case of Larkin, but I do also think reality has set in and they’re being more serious about…making a deal.” He believes the Red Wings are starting to get more serious about trading both and that could lead to Detroit pulling him to avoid injury. That’s typically a practice reserved for just before the trade deadline, but if the Red Wings feel a deal is imminent, the last thing they would need is Larkin to suffer a health setback.

TSN Insider Darren Dreger recently reported that the list of teams interested in Dylan Larkin who aren’t on his trade list is probably longer than the list of teams he’s willing to go to. He adds, “And so, their pro scouting people are continuing to monitor teams that maybe could get in play. And that includes the St. Louis Blues and the Montreal Canadiens.”

Next: Is Team USA Quietly Building a Superteam in New Jersey?