The Detroit Red Wings may have avoided a long-term setback after captain Dylan Larkin left Friday night’s game with an apparent lower-body injury, but the timing of the situation could hardly be worse for the club.
Head coach Todd McLellan indicated after the game that Larkin’s issue does not appear to be a serious or long-term problem. However, even a short absence from the team’s leading center could prove costly as Detroit fights to maintain its position in the tightly contested playoff race.
At the moment, the Red Wings occupy the first wild card spot in the Eastern Conference standings. Their advantage is far from comfortable, sitting just two points ahead of the Boston Bruins and only four clear of the Columbus Blue Jackets. A brief losing streak could quickly erase the hard-earned ground Detroit has built over the course of the season, potentially knocking them out of the playoff picture altogether. Losing a cornerstone player like Larkin as the calendar turns to March only adds to the pressure.
The concern grows when considering the Red Wings’ recent history during this stretch of the season. Over the last three years, March has proven to be a difficult month for Detroit, with the team struggling to maintain consistency and momentum. Facing another crucial March stretch without their captain could once again test the club’s resilience.
Depth at Center Faces Immediate Test
With Larkin temporarily sidelined, Detroit’s depth down the middle becomes a major storyline. Veteran forward Andrew Copp is the next logical option to take on increased responsibility at center. Copp has been dependable this season, recording 35 points through 63 games, but his style of play leans heavily toward defensive reliability rather than offensive creativity.
Known more as a responsible, shutdown forward than a high-scoring playmaker, Copp typically focuses on limiting opposing chances rather than generating them. His approach can complement dynamic scorers like Alex DeBrincat, but it doesn’t necessarily elevate the offensive output of those around him in the way Larkin often does.
Still, Detroit may view this period as an opportunity for younger players to rise to the occasion. One of the names to watch is Marco Kasper. The young forward has endured a quiet campaign so far, producing just 15 points during the 2025–26 season. However, a promotion into a larger role — potentially alongside higher-profile teammates on the second line — could provide the spark he needs to take a step forward.
Deadline Moves Provide Some Reinforcements
Despite the uncertainty surrounding Larkin’s injury, Detroit’s front office attempted to strengthen the roster ahead of the trade deadline.
The Red Wings first added veteran winger David Perron in a deal involving a conditional draft pick, providing additional depth and experience among the team’s middle-six forwards.
They also moved towering winger Elmer Soderblom to the Pittsburgh Penguins, receiving a third-round draft selection in return. That pick, combined with a first-round selection and prospect Dmitri Buchelnikov, was then used in a larger deal to acquire veteran defenseman Justin Faulk.
Faulk’s arrival should help stabilize Detroit’s defensive unit, easing the workload currently placed on top blueliners Moritz Seider and Simon Edvinsson. Meanwhile, Soderblom’s departure opened a roster spot that allowed Detroit to promote promising young forward Michael Brandsegg-Nygard, adding another option to the team’s offensive depth chart.
Challenging Road Trip Awaits
Detroit won’t have much time to adjust to its new lineup situation. The Red Wings are set to begin a demanding four-game road trip, starting with a matchup against the New Jersey Devils. The schedule doesn’t get any easier afterward, with games against the Tampa Bay Lightning, Florida Panthers, and Dallas Stars.
Given the strength of those opponents, even splitting the games and finishing the trip with a .500 record would represent a respectable outcome for Detroit while Larkin remains unavailable.
Ultimately, every victory gained without their captain will be crucial. With just 19 games remaining in the regular season, the Red Wings must prove they can withstand adversity and avoid the late-season collapse that has haunted them in previous years. If they can stay afloat during Larkin’s absence, Detroit’s long-awaited return to the postseason could remain firmly within reach.