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NHL Insider Involved In 'False and Fabricated' Dylan Larkin Trade Rumors

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Antonio Losada | Last updated Dec 9, 2024 6:30 AM ET

NHL insider Chris Johnston was forced to take to his personal account social network X on Sunday to address a supposed rumor involving Detroit Red Wings captain Dylan Larkin.

A post from user @sas11h, who has since changed his profile picture and nickname, claimed Johnston had told him about Dylan Larkin's supposed demand to be traded out of the organization.

Johnston wasted no time refuting the claim, making it clear he didn't know the original poster and the inaccuracy of that rumor.

"This is patently, 100% false and fabricated," Johnston posted on X quoting the original poster. "I've never spoken with this person or reported anything of this nature."

The timing of the rumor came shortly after Detroit’s 2-1 loss to the Colorado Avalanche on Saturday, where Larkin assisted on the team’s lone goal.

Larkin is in the second year of his eight-year, $69.6 million deal and has made no public comments suggesting dissatisfaction with the Red Wings in the past.

In fact, he is the captain of the Wings as well as a bonafide cornerstone of the team’s rebuild currently leading his teammates in goals (22) this season.

The Red Wings, however, have faced challenges this season. The team is near the bottom of the Atlantic Division standings, only one point (24) ahead of the Montreal Canadiens (23) in last place.

Despite the team’s struggles, Larkin has continued to lead by example. He has 12 goals and nine assists for 21 points in 27 games this season, trailing only Lucas Raymond (28) and Alex DeBrincat (22) on the team’s point-scoring leaderboard.

Neither Larkin nor the Red Wings have released statements addressing the claim about the player wanting a trade out. That said, the organization might decide to release a note to support Johnston after he was put in the spotlight and linked to spreading misinformation by a random person.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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