DETROIT — The Detroit Red Wings suspended Dylan Larkin without pay Thursday after the veteran center informed the team he would no longer play as he awaits a trade.

Interim general manager Shawn Horcoff announced the suspension hours before the Wings' game against the Chicago Blackhawks at Little Caesars Arena.

“Dylan Larkin has informed us that he will no longer play for the Detroit Red Wings,” Horcoff said in a statement. “We are disappointed by his decision, particularly given his obligations to the organization and his teammates. We have therefore suspended Dylan without pay.”

Larkin, 30, will forfeit $41,237.11 for each day he sits out.

Larkin, who has five years remaining on an eight-year contract worth an average of $8.7 million annually, has scored at least 30 goals in five consecutive seasons.

What Larkin's agent is saying

Larkin's agent, Pat Brisson, said Thursday that his client is frustrated with the pace of trade negotiations and hopes refusing to play will accelerate a deal.

"Dylan's had enough of the situation," Brisson said. "We believe he's been very professional and cooperative through this process."

Larkin requested a trade in June, but the Wings have been unable to reach an agreement with any of the 10 teams on his approved trade list. Larkin has a no-trade clause.

"We will continue to explore trade opportunities involving Dylan," Horcoff said. "In addition to needing his approval, any trade must also be in the best interests of the Detroit Red Wings and support the organization’s long-term goals."

The Wings stripped Larkin of his captaincy before training camp. He missed the preseason and first two regular-season games with an upper-body injury and was booed by fans upon his return.

Why does Larkin want to be traded?

Larkin has declined to publicly explain the specific reasons behind his June trade request, citing personal matters.

"There's a lot of personal stuff," said Larkin during training camp in September. "It wasn't easy to get to that decision."

Larkin reportedly grew frustrated with then-general manager Steve Yzerman's lack of moves at the 2025 trade deadline, and their relationship soured. The Red Wings also have missed the playoffs for 10 consecutive seasons, all with Larkin on the roster.

Despite their differences, Larkin expressed respect for Yzerman and said his trade request had nothing to do with his teammates. He also acknowledged that losing the team's captaincy was a consequence of his decision.

Larkin said he did not regret requesting a trade but declined to discuss whether reconciliation with the organization was possible.

Larkin's suspension came after optimism

Larkin did not practice Wednesday, though coach Todd McLellan characterized his absence as a maintenance day and expressed optimism that he would play Thursday.

And last week, Jimmy Devellano, the Wings' alternate governor and long-time front office executive, said the organization and Larkin had come to a middle ground after Larkin's trade request this summer, saying the two sides had "kissed and made up."

Larkin's last appearance may have been Monday's shootout victory in Edmonton, when he scored a late goal to force overtime.

The Wings also face uncertainty surrounding unsigned defenseman Simon Edvinsson, who must sign an NHL contract by Dec. 1 to be eligible to play this season. Trade speculation involving Edvinsson has intensified in recent days.

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