Red Wings Captain Dylan Larkin Speaks Out: Criticizes Teammates Amid Disappointing Season Finish
April 19, 2025 | Detroit, MI
As the Detroit Red Wings wrap up another rollercoaster season, their captain Dylan Larkin has made headlines—not for a highlight-reel goal or assist, but for his rare and candid criticism of some of his teammates. Following Detroit’s recent elimination from playoff contention, Larkin addressed the media with a sense of frustration and urgency, sending a clear message about accountability, effort, and expectations.
“We can’t keep doing this every year—fighting to the end, falling just short, and then acting like it’s okay,” Larkin said during a postgame press conference. “Some guys need to look in the mirror and ask themselves if they really gave everything for the team. I know I did. And I know a few guys in that room who did too. But not everyone.”
Larkin, who finished the season with 30 goals and 70 points despite missing time due to a serious injury in December, has been a consistent leader on and off the ice for the Red Wings. His outburst comes on the heels of a 5–2 win over the New Jersey Devils, a game that showcased Detroit’s potential when firing on all cylinders. But that performance, according to Larkin, was too little, too late.
“There’s no excuse for the inconsistency,” he continued. “We played like we had nothing to lose in that game [against New Jersey], but where was that energy when it mattered most? The missed backchecks, lazy line changes, selfish plays… it’s been a problem.”
While Larkin didn’t call out any player by name, the message was unmistakable: a core of the team has not met the standard he believes is required to be a playoff contender.
A Boiling Point for Leadership
This season marked Larkin’s third straight year as captain and his ninth with the team. He’s grown from a young hometown star into the emotional engine of the franchise. But with another year ending in disappointment, his patience is clearly wearing thin.
Behind the scenes, reports suggest that Larkin has had private conversations with General Manager Steve Yzerman about the team’s direction and the makeup of the locker room. Sources close to the organization say changes could be coming—possibly
