Detroit Red Wings Make Decision on Dylan Larkin

Dylan Larkin is set to make his 2026-27 debut for the Detroit Red Wings tonight against the Ottawa Senators at Little Caesars Arena. He will return to the Red Wings' top line alongside Viktor Arvidsson and Lucas Raymond, reclaiming the No. 1 center position following an upper-body injury that kept him out of the team's first two games. The decision has come swiftly following Larkin's morning skate, with the Red Wings opting not to ease him back into the lineup.

The return of Larkin is significant, coming at a time when the Red Wings could use offensive support. After two consecutive losses, their offense has struggled to generate the kind of pressure McLellan wants. Larkin's presence will add a great deal of flexibility to the lineup, allowing the coaching staff to distribute minutes more naturally and minimize the impact of other injuries.

However, Larkin's return is not simply another injury update. The former captain requested a trade during the offseason and lost the "C" after his trade request, altering his relationship with the organization and some fans. His participation in Opening Night introductions, despite the hostile reaction from fans, demonstrated his commitment to the team.

Tonight, Larkin will finally have the chance to respond with his play and regain the respect of the Hockeytown crowd, who can still cheer him if he scores a goal against Ottawa, despite the complicated history.