Dylan Larkin Suspended by Red Wings After Refusing to Report for Practice
Interim GM Shawn Horcoff says the club will wait as long as necessary to secure a fair return for the center, who has five years remaining on an $8.7 million contract.
By Elena Vargas ·
Detroit Red Wings interim general manager Shawn Horcoff suspended former captain Dylan Larkin on Thursday after the center refused to report to the rink. Larkin had requested a trade nearly five months ago, but the situation reached a breaking point when his agent, Pat Brisson, called Horcoff to confirm the player would not play for the team anymore.
Horcoff stated that the organization is prepared to wait for a suitable return. He explained that the teams Larkin has approved for a waiver present salary cap challenges. "With the teams that Dylan has on his list, it’s difficult to get something done," Horcoff said. He noted that finding the right pieces to match Larkin's salary is a complex process.
The center holds a contract with five years remaining, including the current season. His average annual salary is $8.7 million. Horcoff described the arrangement as team-friendly and emphasized the need for a fair return. "I’m prepared to wait as long as it takes to make sure that the return is something good for the Red Wings," he said.
Larkin’s list of approved destinations includes Carolina, Colorado, Dallas, Florida, Minnesota, New Jersey, Tampa Bay, Utah, Vegas, and Washington. Horcoff expressed hope that Larkin would expand this list. He noted that Montreal has strong interest but is not on the current approved list. "There probably are certain teams that if they were (on the list), it would be easier for us to come to a deal," Horcoff said.
The interim GM said he is open to various types of deals. His goal is to acquire players who can help immediately while also securing long-term organizational success. "He’s a heck of a player on a good contract," Horcoff said. He added that removing a player with a long-term commitment makes replacement difficult.
Most players learned of the suspension through social media. Horcoff planned to address the group that evening. He said he was surprised by Larkin's final decision, though he sensed frustration during recent days. "I wanted to try to do what I could to keep Dylan in a Red Wings jersey, and clearly I was unsuccessful," Horcoff said.
Source: The Oakland Press
