Will Dylan Larkin Remain With The Detroit Red Wings After His Captaincy Is Removed? 

Dylan Larkin will be at Detroit Red Wings training camp next week, but he will no longer wear the captain's “C” when the 2026-27 season begins. The Red Wings announced the decision Friday after Larkin publicly addressed his reported trade request for the first time. The 30-year-old center said he has had several discussions with team leadership in recent weeks and plans to focus on the upcoming season. However, any further talks about his future will wait until Detroit hires a new General Manager.

What Did Dylan Larkin Say After The Red Wings Removed His Captaincy? 

Larkin's trade request became public earlier this summer, but he had not spoken about it until Friday. In a statement shared by the Red Wings, the veteran center confirmed that he will join his teammates when training camp starts.

Statements from Dylan Larkin and the Detroit Red Wings. pic.twitter.com/P2sZjqp9Iz

— Detroit Red Wings (@DetroitRedWings) September 11, 2026

“Over the past couple of weeks, Red Wings leadership and I have had several in-depth discussions. I've appreciated those candid conversations, and I will be at training camp with my teammates.”
 
Larkin added that he expects to have more talks once Detroit has new leadership in place. He also said those discussions will remain private as he turns his attention toward the season.

Meanwhile, the Red Wings confirmed that Larkin will not continue as captain. He was given the “C” on Jan. 13, 2021, and had held the position for more than five years. Detroit said it will begin the 2026-27 season without naming a new captain.

Could Red Wings' Next GM Decide What Happens To Dylan Larkin? 

The decision comes during a major change in Detroit's hockey operations. Steve Yzerman stepped down as general manager on July 15 and moved into a senior adviser role. The Red Wings have yet to name his replacement.

Detroit said any discussions about Larkin's future will take place privately after a new hockey operations leader is hired. The forward has a full no-trade clause and previously gave the team a short list of clubs he would consider joining.

Larkin has spent his entire NHL career with Detroit and ranks 10th in franchise history with 276 goals and 643 points. He is also coming off a 67-point season in 74 games and helped Team USA win gold at the 2026 Olympics.

For now, Larkin is heading to training camp with the Red Wings, while his long-term future in Detroit will be decided after the team brings in its next hockey operations leader.