Per Friedman, that extended stretch of futility likely played a role in Larkin’s decision, as did what the NHL insider described as “a somewhat frosty relationship” between the veteran and team executive vice president and general manager Steve Yzerman.
For an organization as proud as the Red Wings, who have the third-most Stanley Cup titles (11) in league history, the request is difficult to fathom. Larkin, a Waterford, Michigan, native, played collegiately at Michigan, but not before being selected No. 15 overall by the Red Wings out of high school in the 2014 NHL Draft.
In an article published by the Detroit Free Press the day of the draft’s first round, Larkin openly discussed his desire to end up with the Red Wings, saying, “I’m not just saying this, but I really do want to get drafted by Detroit. I think it would be really cool. Obviously, grew up watching them, I’d be really happy with that.”
Born in 1996, Larkin entered the world just as Detroit won the first of four Stanley Cups in 11 seasons during a broader stretch of 25 consecutive playoff appearances (1990-91 through 2015-16). For many, the Red Wings were synonymous with winning.
Not anymore. It’s been a long time since people have felt that way, but things appeared to have changed earlier this season, when at one juncture Detroit was 32-16-5 and tied atop the Eastern Conference in points. Things changed drastically over its final 29 games, however, when it went 9-15-5 and was eliminated from playoff contention with two games remaining in the regular season.
It was another disappointing end for Larkin, who told reporters following the end of the previous season that the lack of success in Detroit had taken its toll. He also lamented a lack of activity at that the 2024-25 trade deadline in comments critical of the front office.
“We didn’t do anything and I felt the group — we didn’t gain any momentum from the trade deadline and guys were kind of down about it,” Larkin said at the time. “It would be nice to add something and bring a little bit of a spark on the ice and maybe a morale boost as well.”
The team was more active at the 2026 trade deadline, adding veteran defenseman Justin Faulk, 34, and forward David Perron, 38, but it was hardly enough to stop the skid.
Instead of waiting on more change, Larkin is willing to force one himself. What would have seemed impossible a decade ago might now be a necessity. What’s even stranger is no one can blame him.