Detroit — The Red Wings and captain Dylan Larkin might be at odds, after Larkin having demanded a trade just after last season ended.
But the Wings were apparently willing Thursday to let bygones be bygones for a day, wishing Larkin a happy 30th birthday.
The happy birthday announcement came via the Red Wings’ social media account, as the team does do with every Wings player.
Larkin’s trade request became public June 5 and has been a central topic around the Wings — until, that is, Steve Yzerman stepped down from his general manager’s role July 15 and will transition into an adviser’s role.
The Wings have yet to name a successor for Yzerman, and Larkin’s trade request will likely remain unchanged until a new GM comes aboard.
Larkin was a key factor in the USA’s gold medal victory at the Winter Olympics, and he had 34 goals and 33 assists, for 67 points, in 74 games with the Wings. It was Larkin’s fifth consecutive season with over 30 goals.
But the Wings missed the playoffs for a 10th consecutive season — the longest current streak in the NHL — all with Larkin on the team. The team’s consistent losing, along with a frosty relationship with Larkin, likely pushed the captain to make the trade request. He hasn’t spoken publicly about the request.
The Wings begin training camp Sept. 17, with a chance Larkin will still be on the roster.
tkulfan@detroitnews.com
@tkulfan
This article originally appeared on The Detroit News: Dylan Larkin gets birthday greetings from Red Wings amid trade demand
