Dylan Larkin got a rough welcome back to Little Caesars Arena Friday night, booed by Detroit Red Wings fans during pregame introductions even though he wasn't going to play a single shift. Sidelined by an upper-body injury, Larkin stood on the bench in street clothes as the crowd made its frustration known before puck drop against the New York Rangers.
Larkin waved to the crowd after being introduced alongside the other scratches, coaching staff and support personnel, according to mlive.com. The outlet reports he is out for at least the first two games of the season because of the injury, and the Red Wings had already placed him on injured reserve retroactive to Aug. 15, per the team's announcement on NHL.com. Coach Todd McLellan has ruled Larkin out for Friday's and Sunday's games, The Athletic reported, while NHL.com noted the team is hopeful he can return for Game 3 against the Ottawa Senators.
A Trade Request Still Hanging Over the Locker Room
The boos weren't just about an injury. Larkin requested a trade during the offseason, and the fallout has followed him into the new season. Speaking to The Athletic on Sept. 17, Larkin confirmed the request directly: “I did ask for a trade.” He declined to detail what prompted it, telling the outlet, “I'm not ready to go there yet,” and per mlive's reporting, he has not spoken with reporters since.
Larkin also told NHL.com he suffered the injury away from the ice, saying, “I got hurt in the gym working out.” Detroit entered the season without a captain. Interim general manager Shawn Horcoff has declined to answer questions about the request or whether reconciliation is possible, the same mlive report states.
Fans Turn Their Anger on Ownership
The frustration didn't stay fixed on Larkin for long. After Detroit fell behind during a New York power play, fans at Little Caesars Arena chanted “Sell the team” directed at owner Chris Ilitch, according to The Athletic. Ilitch was also the subject of fan heckling, as Yahoo Sports reported.
The anger reflects broader frustration with the franchise. The boos and “Sell the team” chant at Little Caesars Arena made that discontent clear.
An Uncertain Path Forward for a Franchise Fixture
Red Wings forward Dylan Larkin's future with the organization remains unresolved. In Detroit, Friday's frustration extended well beyond one player, landing squarely on the franchise's ownership as the Red Wings begin the season.
