After weeks of speculation, both the Detroit Red Wings and Dylan Larkin’s camp have finally addressed the captain’s trade request.
Following GM Steve Yzerman’s comments after the 2026 NHL Draft, Larkin’s longtime agent, Pat Brisson, offered his first public update, making it clear that both sides are trying to handle the situation professionally.
Dylan Larkin’s Agent Speaks on Red Wings Star’s Trade Request
Larkin’s trade request marks a major turning point for the Waterford, Michigan native who has spent his entire 11-year NHL career with the Red Wings. According to league insiders, years of missing the playoffs, growing frustration with the team’s direction, and winning Olympic gold with Team USA have all contributed to his desire to compete for a Stanley Cup elsewhere.
His agent, Pat Brisson, emphasized that there is no bad blood between Larkin and the organization. Instead, he described the process as two sides working together to find the best possible outcome.
“It’s not an easy process. But this is something that, it’s not my first time, it’s not our first time (Yzerman included), and we’re trying to navigate this the best way possible to reach our goals,” Brisson said.
“We know it’s a sensitive file, understanding what Dylan means to the Red Wings and also to USA Hockey and the world of hockey. He’s a really good hockey player. But we’re going to continue to the best of our abilities to eventually achieve our goals.”
When asked whether Larkin had submitted a list of preferred destinations, Brisson declined to provide any details.
Brisson’s comments came shortly after Yzerman publicly confirmed that Larkin requested a trade following Detroit’s 10th consecutive season without a playoff appearance.
“My job as the manager of the Detroit Red Wings is always to do what is in the best interest of the Detroit Red Wings, and I will act accordingly to that. I cannot make any guarantees, or did not make any guarantees, that that request could or would be met,” Yzerman said.
Larkin is entering the fourth season of the eight-year, $69.6 million contract he signed with Detroit and remains under contract through the 2030-31 season with an $8.7 million annual cap hit.
Any trade, however, will be difficult to complete. Larkin owns a full no-trade clause, giving him complete control over where he is willing to go. According to Yzerman, Brisson provided a “short list” of teams Larkin would be willing to waive his NMC for.
While the official list remains private, league insiders heavily connect win-now contenders to the sweepstakes, with rumors pointing to teams like the Minnesota Wild, Florida Panthers, Vegas Golden Knights, and Dallas Stars.
ALSO READ: More Evidence Emerges of Senators’ Locker Room Rift With Brady Tkachuk
With NHL free agency set to open this week, Larkin’s future remains one of the biggest storylines of the offseason, and how Detroit handles the situation could shape the franchise’s direction for years to come.
