Red Wings Hopeful Captain Larkin Will Return Against Senators

Detroit's leader has missed the past seven games due to a lower-body injury.

Mar. 24, 2026 at 9:19am

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The Detroit Red Wings are optimistic that team captain Dylan Larkin will return to the lineup when they host the Ottawa Senators on Tuesday. Larkin has missed the past seven games with a lower-body injury but participated in practice on Monday and is considered a game-time decision. The Red Wings have gone 3-3-1 without their first-line center and are fighting to end their nine-year playoff drought, currently sitting one point behind the New York Islanders for the final Eastern Conference wild card spot.

Why it matters

Larkin's return would be a major boost for the Red Wings as they make a late-season push for the playoffs. As the team's captain and top center, his presence is crucial to Detroit's success on both ends of the ice. The Red Wings have struggled to generate offense and maintain defensive structure without their leader in the lineup, making Larkin's potential return a pivotal moment in their playoff chase.

The details

Larkin participated in practice on Monday and is considered a game-time decision to face the Senators. Red Wings coach Todd McLellan said he is "confident that he is improving" but could not confirm if Larkin will play. Detroit has gone 3-3-1 in the seven games Larkin has missed, falling out of a playoff position. Forward Patrick Kane acknowledged the "big hole" Larkin's absence has left in the lineup, noting the importance of the captain's leadership and two-way play.

  • Larkin has missed the past seven games due to a lower-body injury.
  • The Red Wings host the Ottawa Senators on Tuesday, March 26, 2026.

The players

Dylan Larkin

The captain of the Detroit Red Wings and the team's first-line center, who has missed the past seven games due to a lower-body injury.

Todd McLellan

The head coach of the Detroit Red Wings, who expressed confidence that Larkin is improving but could not confirm if he will play against the Senators.

Patrick Kane

A forward for the Detroit Red Wings, who acknowledged the "big hole" Larkin's absence has left in the lineup.

David Perron

A forward for the Detroit Red Wings, who was recently acquired from the Ottawa Senators.

Claude Giroux

A forward for the Ottawa Senators, who discussed the team's consistent play and focus on their identity during their recent hot streak.

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What they’re saying

“I'm confident that he is improving. He's confident that he is improving. He had a good practice (Monday), but I can't tell you if he'll be in (the lineup) or not. I don't know that answer right now.”

— Todd McLellan, Head Coach, Detroit Red Wings

“Ever since he's been down, it's been a big hole in the lineup. As our leader and captain, too. A lot of us wanted to play for him in some way or another and put us in a good enough spot so when he's coming back, we're still in the thick of things.”

— Patrick Kane, Forward, Detroit Red Wings

“They're a good team. Solid defensively, very structured. I'm not too surprised (about the Senators' recent hot streak). It seems their game doesn't waver from whether you get the result or not.”

— David Perron, Forward, Detroit Red Wings

“Nothing changes for us. We stay focused on how we want to play and our identity and play as a team. Right now we have everybody going, we have all lines playing a lot, so we've got to keep pushing.”

— Claude Giroux, Forward, Ottawa Senators

What’s next

The Red Wings will make a decision on Larkin's status closer to game time on Tuesday when they host the Senators.

The takeaway

Larkin's potential return would be a critical boost for the Red Wings as they fight to end their playoff drought and secure a postseason berth. His leadership, two-way play, and offensive production are essential to Detroit's success, and his absence has been felt during the team's recent struggles. The Red Wings' ability to maintain their playoff position until Larkin's return could determine the outcome of their season.