HENDERSON, Nevada -- Detroit Red Wings star Alex DeBrincat said he'd welcome Dylan Larkin back for next season despite the captain's request to be traded.
"He makes our team better and I'm more than happy to have him as a teammate," said DeBrincat, speaking at the NHL/NHLPA North American Player Media Tour in Las Vegas on Wednesday.
News broke in June that Larkin, 30, had requested a trade from Detroit. He has a full no-trade clause in his contract through the 2027-28 season.
Sources told ESPN that issues between Larkin and Detroit management had been brewing for a while, dating back to testy contract negotiations in 2023. Red Wings general manager Steve Yzerman abruptly stepped down in July after seven seasons -- none of them resulting in a playoff berth. The team has yet to name a new general manager.
The trade request stunned the NHL, given that Larkin is signed through 2030-31 season ($8.7 million AAV) and has been Detroit's captain since 2020. DeBrincat said he's been coming to terms with Larkin's request -- as a friend and teammate.
"I think sometimes in life you've got to make decisions for yourself. If that's the case, and he feels the need to still be out, then that's his decision," he said. "Coming to Detroit, he really made me feel welcome and is obviously a great player."
DeBrincat, 28, had to clarify his own future with the Red Wings during the media tour. He's entering the last year of his contract and can become an unrestricted free agent next summer. His deal carries a $7.875 million cap hit and a 16-team no-trade list.
After a 41-goal season and with the salary cap rising, he's looking at a raise.
"I love playing for the Red Wings. I love wearing that jersey and battling with those guys out there. My intention is obviously to stay in Detroit. We'll see what happens, I guess," he told NHL.com.
The Red Wings haven't made the playoffs in 10 seasons, which is the longest drought in franchise history.
Additional reporting by Emily Kaplan/ESPN.