Dylan Larkin set for tense return pending one crucial detail as trade saga continues

The Detroit Red Wings opened their 2026-27 campaign on Friday night against the New York Rangers at Little Caesars Arena, but the most memorable moment had nothing to do with goals or saves. Instead, it was the unmistakable chorus of boos that rained down on Dylan Larkin, the former captain who requested a trade out of Detroit during the offseason.

Larkin, who had been sidelined with an upper-body injury throughout the preseason and was ruled out for the first two games of the regular season, did not suit up for Friday's contest. That did not stop the home crowd from voicing their displeasure.

But now, it's different. According to journalist Helene St. James, Larkin is set to return to the lineup on Tuesday night against the visiting Ottawa Senators. It will mark his first game action of the season and his first appearance on the ice since the hostile reception from the fanbase he once captained.

The 30-year-old center spent 11 seasons in Detroit and ranks 10th in franchise history with 643 points. But his relationship with the city took a sharp turn when his trade request became public over the summer, leading to the organization stripping him of the captaincy.

The situation has been complicated from the start. Larkin reportedly limited his preferred destinations to just four teams initially, including Minnesota, Florida, Vegas, and Carolina, before expanding that list to eight clubs. Every team on that expanded list is reportedly based in the United States, which has further narrowed the trade market.

Larkin still carries five years on the eight-year, $69.6 million deal he signed in 2023, along with a full no-movement clause. Reports suggest Detroit has softened its asking price somewhat, but several of the teams Larkin would accept a deal to are navigating tight salary cap situations.

Tuesday's game will be a fascinating test of the atmosphere inside Little Caesars Arena. Friday's boos were loud and sustained, a clear signal from fans who feel burned by the trade demand from a player they once considered a franchise cornerstone.

Whether the reception warms up now that Larkin is actually contributing on the ice remains to be seen. For now, all eyes will be on how the former captain handles the emotional weight of skating in front of a fanbase that has made its frustration impossible to ignore.