DETROIT — Detroit Red Wings center Dylan Larkin will report to training camp despite making a trade request this offseason, he announced Friday, Sept. 11 in a statement released by the team. The announcement follows several weeks of in-depth discussions with Red Wings leadership as the franchise navigates a front-office transition after missing the playoffs for a 10th consecutive season.
"Over the past couple of weeks, Red Wings leadership and I have had several in-depth discussions," Larkin said. "I've appreciated those candid conversations, and I will be at training camp with my teammates. When new leadership is in place, we'll talk further about the direction of the team. We will keep those conversations private, and I will keep my focus on the season ahead and on the guys in that room."
Larkin made the request this offseason after Detroit extended its playoff drought to 10 straight seasons. Trading the captain proved difficult, as he provided the Red Wings with only three teams to work with while the club sought a big return in any deal.
The standoff unfolded as Steve Yzerman stepped aside as general manager to transition into a senior adviser role. Larkin said he and the team will revisit the direction of the franchise once new leadership is in place, but both sides agreed to keep those conversations private while he focuses on training camp and the season ahead with his teammates.