On October 6, 2026, the Detroit Red Wings secured their first victory of the season by defeating the Ottawa Senators 4-2 at Little Caesars Arena. This win was particularly significant as it marked the season debut of Dylan Larkin, who had previously requested a trade during the offseason.
Larkin, who has spent his entire 11-season NHL career with Detroit, requested a trade in June 2026, citing the team's prolonged playoff drought and a strained relationship with management. Despite his request, Larkin participated in the Red Wings' training camp and was included in the lineup for the game against the Senators. (nhl.com)
The game also saw the absence of Ottawa's goaltender Linus Ullmark, who was not dressed for the matchup. (nhl.com)
This victory provides a morale boost for the Red Wings, who are aiming to end their decade-long playoff drought. The team's performance, coupled with Larkin's return, offers a promising outlook for the remainder of the season.