Latest Dylan Larkin update reignites monster trade rumors

The Detroit Red Wings opened their Wednesday practice with a familiar face back in the fold, though under very unfamiliar circumstances.

Dylan Larkin skated with his teammates for the first time, returning to the ice after missing the first four days of training camp and two preseason games while dealing with an upper-body injury. It marked the first time the former captain has practiced alongside the group since his stunning trade request became public earlier this summer.

Larkin was notably not placed on a regular line during the session, a sign that he is still working his way back from the injury rather than preparing for immediate game action. According to reporter Helene St. James, head coach Todd McLellan confirmed that Larkin will not be available for Thursday's preseason game against the Buffalo Sabres. There may, however, be a chance he suits up for the exhibition finale on Saturday against the Columbus Blue Jackets. Both games are scheduled for Little Caesars Arena.

Prior to Wednesday, Larkin had been skating on his own while rehabbing. He arrived at camp last week and addressed the media on Sept. 17, though he offered very little clarity on his future with the organization.

"I'm speaking to you guys today because you guys deserve answers," Larkin told reporters last week. "The fans deserve answers. I don't want this distraction. I don't want one of my teammates to have to answer before you hear from me."

When asked whether his trade request still stands, Larkin declined to answer. He also would not discuss what triggered the request, his preferred destinations, or whether reconciliation with his hometown team is possible.

The 30-year-old center was stripped of the captaincy ahead of camp, a decision he publicly accepted. He carries five years remaining on a contract with an $8.7 million cap hit and holds a no-trade clause that reportedly limits his initial list of acceptable destinations to the Florida Panthers, Minnesota Wild, and Vegas Golden Knights.

Larkin's situation is further complicated by the front office turnover that saw Steve Yzerman moved out of the general manager role in mid-July. Interim GM Shawn Horcoff was not named until just two days before camp opened, but he has been firm that the team will not pivot toward a rebuild.

Larkin remains central to Detroit's roster as the team's top-line center, a position where depth is thin. That reality, combined with the length of his contract, has made finding a trade partner that works for both sides extremely difficult.

However, now that he will perhaps be displayed on ice for suitors to see in action could spark the interest in the top forward again and lead to a potential, long-awaited trade.

I guess for now, the sight of Larkin back on the ice with his teammates is at least a small step toward normalcy in what promises to be one of the most closely watched storylines of the entire NHL season.