Detroit Red Wings owner reveals what he really thinks of Dylan Larkin
Photo credit: Rick Osentoski-Imagn Images
Red Wings owner Chris Ilitch is publicly standing behind Dylan Larkin, and his message left little room for interpretation.
In comments shared by Max Bultman, Ilitch addressed the situation head on.
I support Dylan. I support every single one of our players on our roster. I do everything I can in terms of resources, support, to make sure that our players can reach their full potential, and that's how our team is going to reach its full potential. And so I support all of our players. Until they're not a Red Wing, they have my full support.
A Message Aimed at a Restless Fan Base
The timing is hard to ignore. Larkin asked for a trade after another season that ended without a playoff berth, the tenth straight, and Detroit has since moved on from Steve Yzerman as general manager, handing the interim role to Shawn Horcoff.
Larkin also lost the captaincy and heard boos from the home crowd on opening night. Ilitch's words arrive in the middle of that noise.
The closing line of the quote deserves a second read. Ilitch did not promise Larkin a long-term home in Detroit. He promised backing for as long as the forward remains on the roster, a careful phrase that keeps a trade fully possible while still projecting loyalty.
What Comes Next for Larkin
Larkin is signed through 2031, which gives Detroit time and leverage. Reporting has indicated his approved list includes roughly 10 contenders, and the Red Wings have reportedly refused to settle for a futures-only return. Patience will be required.
For Horcoff, the assignment is delicate. He must weigh Larkin's production, which has topped 30 goals in each of the last five seasons, against a locker room that has openly said it is better with him in the lineup.
Moving a productive center for anything less than immediate help would cut against the push to compete now.
For now, the owner has said his piece. What Detroit does next will decide if it matters.
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