Larkin Breaks Silence on Trade Request, Keeps Reasons Close

Larkin declined to detail the reasoning behind the request, and suggested fans may never get a full explanation.

“There’s a lot there, a lot of personal stuff in that, and to be honest with you guys, I’m not ready to go there yet,” he said. He added, “I understand that there’s answers that fans and people that care about this organization around the world want to know, but I’m really not ready to go there. It’s maybe something that I may never be, you know?”

He also wouldn’t say whether the trade request has since been rescinded, or whether reconciliation with the organization is possible, noting that the conversation is being kept between him and interim general manager Shawn Horcoff.

Larkin did say he’s spoken with teammates about the situation, emphasizing it “was not because of them,” and that he gave them space afterward. For now, he appears prepared to remain with the team. “I wish so badly I could be on the ice, because that’s where the actions will follow the talking,” he said.

More details are expected to emerge as training camp continues, but Larkin wanted to be the first to address his situation and get it out of the way before his teammates had to answer any questions. “I’m trying to be professional about it,” he noted, hoping that this won’t become a distraction to anyone.

As of right now, Larkin is not taking part in on-ice sessions at camp. He reportedly suffered an injury during training that will keep him out of action until further notice. The Red Wings intend to get medicals done to see how long he’ll be out. All the while, Horcoff reports that he has the authority to make a trade, but it’s unclear if anything is close.