Former Red Wings Exec Puts Larkin on Blast

Detroit Hockey Now • October 31, 2026 • sports

Key Points:

Doug MacLean, former assistant GM of the Detroit Red Wings, expressed strong disapproval of captain Dylan Larkin's recent decisions to quit on the team, calling the situation unprecedented and confusing given Larkin's status as a hometown player.
Larkin requested a trade after last season, leading to the Red Wings stripping him of the captaincy, and recently informed interim GM Shawn Horcoff that he will not play for the team again until traded.
MacLean acknowledged Larkin's rights to request a trade and leverage his no-movement clause but questioned why Larkin is abandoning a team that has struggled to make the playoffs for a decade.
MacLean advised the Red Wings' management to be patient and not rush into a trade, suggesting they should hold out for the right deal or let Larkin sit until a suitable trade is found.