Dylan Larkin loudly booed by Red Wings fans before home opener

Detroit Red Wings fans sent a clear message to Dylan Larkin on Friday night, showering him with boos during pre-game introductions ahead of the club’s home opener at Little Caesars Arena.

Larkin appeared on the video board as part of the group of players not dressed for the game and was immediately greeted with loud jeers from the crowd. He offered a brief wave toward the stands before leaving the bench to head back to the dressing room, exiting before the remaining scratches were introduced.

Trade request, captaincy loss and injured reserve

The reaction followed months of tension between the player and fan base. In the spring, Larkin requested a trade after Detroit failed to qualify for the playoffs for a 10th straight season. Then-general manager Steve Yzerman never completed a deal before he was removed from his role in mid-July.

The organization later stripped Larkin of the captaincy before training camp. He did not appear in any pre-season games due to an upper-body injury and was officially placed on injured reserve Friday, though he has been skating with the team in practice.

Speaking in mid-September during his only media availability since the request, Larkin acknowledged the fallout from his decision, saying: “I asked for a trade from the Detroit Red Wings as a captain and that has consequences.”

Horcoff balances Larkin situation and Edvinsson talks

Detroit’s front office picture has also shifted. With Yzerman out, Shawn Horcoff was elevated to interim general manager in mid-September and is now responsible for navigating both Larkin’s future and a key contract dispute on the blue line.

Earlier Friday, Horcoff told local reporters there was little new to report on trade discussions involving Larkin. He emphasized that the club’s priority is to have Larkin fully healthy, noting his progress and suggesting he appears to be nearing a return once cleared.

At the same time, the Red Wings are without top-pair defenceman Simon Edvinsson, who remains in Sweden as a restricted free agent without a contract. His absence leaves a significant hole for a team still attempting to climb out of its lengthy rebuild.

Horcoff described Edvinsson as an important part of Detroit’s plans and said the club is working closely with his representatives to get a deal done, while keeping specific details of the negotiations confidential until an agreement is reached.