Red Wings’ Latest Omission Reveals Potential Breakdown in Relationship With Dylan Larkin

Dylan Larkin remains captain of the Detroit Red Wings, but the latest social media omission suggests the relationship may now be breaking down.

Dylan Larkin of the Detroit Red Wings / IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

The Detroit Red Wings came into this off-season full of hope and optimism, but with few moves made and the departure of General Manager/President of Hockey Operations Steve Yzerman, the team doesn't look improved at all heading into the 2026/27 regular season.

When a new General Manager is officially announced (as of right now, there's very little insight as to when that will be, with some speculation revealing that the team hasn’t yet begun interviews), they'll have some business to conduct rather quickly. As usual, the most important will be dealing with captain Dylan Larkin's current situation.

Despite the change in the front office, Larkin is reportedly standing firm on his trade request. With the season now just 42 days away from beginning for Detroit, the latest move suggests this isn't a relationship that can be repaired.

Dylan Larkin Left off the Red Wings Latest Social Media Post

Dylan Larkin of the Detroit Red Wings / IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

Early in the off-season, Larkin requested a trade, and after giving the team a three-team no-trade list, he later expanded it to four; the Dallas Stars, Florida Panthers, Vegas Golden Knights and Minnesota Wild, and as of right now, reportedly nothing has changed.

We've heard very little from official channels on the relationship, but some Detroit insiders have suggested in recent times that if a deal isn't made with Minnesota (as the other three likely don't have too much interest anymore), the relationship in Detroit will need to be repaired.

Unfortunately, Detroit's latest social media post shows that it may not be saving at this point, as the team celebrated their NHL27 ratings, showing Lucas Raymond (89), Moritz Seider (89), Alex DeBrincat (89) and John Gibson (85).

.@easportsnhl ratings just dropped 👀

Pre-order #NHL27 for early access!
🎮 » https://t.co/LTx5ZpPwyx pic.twitter.com/s0nGrFjNgc

— Detroit Red Wings (@DetroitRedWings) August 21, 2026

The problem? Dylan Larkin was also rated an 89 overall, and with the team placing Gibson at 85 on the list, this may have been intentional, with many fans in the comments on social media suggesting this may show what is happening with their relationship behind the scenes.

Will Dylan Larkin be With the Red Wings When the 2026/27 Season Begins?

Dylan Larkin of the Detroit Red Wings / IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

With the season now just six weeks away, if a deal is to be made, the Red Wings will need to either lower their asking price from the Wild, who have shown sustained interest in Larkin, or the player himself will need to expand his no-trade list, with just one of the current teams interested in making a deal happen.

What that means is that if nothing changes under the Red Wings new leadership, the path forward will be to repair this relationship, but with the social media team potentially sending a message with their latest post, that will be much, much easier said than done.

Obviously, the Red Wings social media team does not dictate the feelings of the front office and the organization of a whole, feelings which could ultimately change with the naming of a new GM/POHO, but for now, all signs are pointing towards a major breakdown between captain and front office, one that could force him out before the 2026/27 season begins.