Dylan Larkin returned to boos—and finished as first star. His goal and assist helped the Detroit Red Wings beat the Ottawa Senators 5–3 for their first win of the season. How much changes with Larkin back?

On Red Wings Rant Episode 411, we compare Detroit’s ugly 0–2 start with the Ottawa win using Evolving Hockey’s even-strength analytics. Lucas Raymond’s expected-goal share jumped from 13.2% and 22.5% to 61.6%. His minutes finally produced more offense and allowed fewer dangerous chances.

But the team-wide numbers tell a more complicated story: better finishing helped Detroit win, even without a surge in expected offense. One good night doesn’t fix the roster—or erase an offseason of turmoil.

We discuss Larkin’s emotional return, Todd McLellan’s comments about teammates rallying around him, Simon Edvinsson’s reported preference for a trade, and the organizational decisions that brought Detroit here. Plus, our completely unscientific blame pie returns.

Does Larkin’s return give you hope—or highlight how much this team still depends on him? Tell us in the comments, and subscribe for more Red Wings Rant.

#DetroitRedWings #DylanLarkin #LGRW

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The 2026-27 season begins October 2, and the Detroit Red Wings have nowhere left to hide.

Detroit submitted its 23-man roster with Simon Edvinsson still unsigned, Dylan Larkin working his way back from an upper-body injury and outside projections pointing toward another step backward. We break down the opening roster, why the Edvinsson stalemate is so frustrating and how Alex DeBrincat, Lucas Raymond, Moritz Seider and a healthy Larkin can keep this team competitive from night to night.

But the real story is the young core.

Marco Kasper, Nate Danielson, Michael Brandsegg-Nygård, Emmitt Finnie, Carter Mazur, Axel Sandin-Pellikka and Anton Johansson are no longer theoretical future help. They are on the roster now. If Detroit wants to become a legitimate playoff contender, several of them must outperform last season. At least one young forward may need to emerge as a legitimate 20-goal threat.

Is 86 points a realistic projection? Can the established stars carry this roster? Which young Red Wing must make the biggest leap?

Let us know in the comments, and subscribe for more Red Wings Rant throughout the season.

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Episode sponsored by Draft Kings. Use promo code 'THPN' to unlock exclusive offers when you sign up!

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Apologies for the broken audio.

Dylan Larkin finally addressed the media, but the biggest question remains unanswered: Is his trade request still active?

Larkin confirmed that he asked to be traded, said he does not regret the decision and accepted losing the captaincy as a consequence. But when asked whether the request still stands or what pushed him to make it, Larkin made it clear that he was not ready to provide those answers.

So why did the Red Wings believe this press conference was necessary? Did Detroit expect Larkin to provide closure, or was this an attempt to make him the villain? Instead of controlling the story, the organization may have created even more speculation about whether Larkin will ever play another game in a Red Wings jersey.

We also examine Simon Edvinsson’s contract leverage. Detroit has approximately $19.5 million in cap space, an unsettled roster and no realistic replacement for Edvinsson on its top defensive pairing. He may not deserve $11 million or $12 million per season, but could his agent force Detroit into that neighborhood?

Finally, we review the Red Wings’ projected opening-night roster, including all four forward lines, three defensive pairings and the Gibson-Tarasov goaltending tandem. We also briefly discuss Detroit’s 1-0 preseason shootout loss to the Columbus Blue Jackets.

Will Dylan Larkin play another game for Detroit? How much should the Red Wings be willing to pay Simon Edvinsson? Let us know in the comments.

Like, subscribe, and join us for another episode of Red Wings Rant.

JOIN THE DISCORD: https://discord.gg/rd2RUDkzuS

Let’s have fun!

Sponsored by Draft Kings!

Find us on your favorite Podcast App by clicking here: https://link.chtbl.com/redwingsrant

Episode sponsored by Draft Kings. Use promo code 'THPN' to unlock exclusive offers when you sign up!

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.