Dylan Larkin finds way out of Red Wings training camp as trade saga heats up!

The Detroit Red Wings were set to open training camp with their biggest storyline already dominating the headlines. Dylan Larkin, who requested a trade following last season, was expected to report as promised. But instead, the team announced he won't be on the ice when things get started.

On Wednesday, Red Wings executive Shawn Horcoff confirmed that Larkin sustained an upper-body injury during offseason training and will not skate when camp begins. No timeline was provided for his return.

The announcement immediately raised skepticism among fans and observers online, with many questioning the convenient timing of the injury given Larkin's well-documented desire to leave Detroit. Reactions on social media ranged from outright disbelief to knowing sarcasm, with one fan calling it a "masterclass excuse."

Whether the injury is entirely straightforward or not, the backdrop makes the optics unavoidable. Larkin has been at the center of trade speculation for months, and a recent report from TVA Sports reporter Renaud Lavoie added significant fuel to the fire. Lavoie stated that if Larkin had agreed to a trade to Montreal, he would already be a member of the Canadiens, suggesting a framework between the two front offices may already exist or be close to completion.

The holdup, reportedly, is Larkin himself. His full no-trade clause gives him complete veto power over any destination, and his approved list of teams remains extremely limited. According to reports, only Minnesota, Vegas, Florida, and Dallas are on it. Montreal is not, despite what Lavoie described as multiple people in Larkin's circle speaking positively about the market to him over the summer.

From a hockey perspective, the fit in Montreal would make considerable sense. Larkin has posted at least 30 goals in each of the past three seasons, finishing last year with 34 goals and 67 points in 74 games. Pairing him with Nick Suzuki would give the Canadiens formidable center depth.

The salary cap math presents its own challenges. Larkin carries an $8.7 million annual cap hit through 2031, and Montreal reportedly has only around $4.28 million in available space, meaning significant roster maneuvering would be required.

But as of now, with this fresh update, Larkin's injury keeps him off the ice and away from what would have been an incredibly awkward training camp environment. Whether he eventually expands his list of approved destinations or the Red Wings find a willing partner among his four preferred teams will shape the trajectory of multiple franchises heading into the season.