Red Wings suspend Dylan Larkin as trade talks intensify

The Detroit Red Wings suspended Dylan Larkin without pay and removed him from the roster after the team said he told the club he would no longer play for the franchise, interim general manager Shawn Horcoff said Thursday. No trade has been completed, though reports described discussions as escalating. The move came before Detroit’s game against the Chicago Blackhawks. Coach Todd McLellan had said Larkin would not play, without giving a reason. Horcoff later said the team would continue exploring trade opportunities, but any deal would require Larkin’s approval and must serve the Red Wings’ interests and long-term goals. Detroit’s account of Larkin’s statement is the stated basis for the suspension. The reporting did not include a response from Larkin or his representative. The team said it was disappointed by his decision and cited his obligations to the organization and teammates. Larkin, 30, requested a trade in the offseason. He began this season with Detroit after losing the captaincy, and had two goals and four assists in 10 games. He has spent his entire NHL career with the Red Wings, who drafted him 15th overall in 2014. Reports from hockey journalists said trade talks...