Dylan Larkin out until at least Game 3 for Red Wings

Fantasy hockey: Larkin cannot play Friday or Sunday, turning his three-game week to one at most. Hold him and find a streaming option for his empty roster spot.

By Fantasy Roundup Staff · October 1, 2026 · Updated October 8, 2026

Dylan Larkin will not play Detroit's first two games as he recovers from an upper-body injury, head coach Todd McLellan told reporters Thursday. The centre is listed day-to-day and is expected to return Tuesday against Ottawa in the third game of the week.

Larkin's absence costs fantasy managers two starts in a three-game week. His 3:11 a night on the power play opens up for a teammate, and managers who rostered him for his Friday and Sunday games need a replacement.

Fantasy impact

Player by player

Dylan Larkin

Larkin cannot play until at least Game 3, which means his recent averages of 0.42 goals and 0.49 assists a night disappear for Friday and Sunday. He ranks third among all Red Wings skaters in power-play time at 3:11 a night and his 0.31 power-play points per game are significant. Alex DeBrincat and Lucas Raymond stand to absorb those minutes.

His underlying play grades 62 out of 100 among forwards in shots, scoring chances and ice time, a read on how sustainable his scoring is. Even if Larkin returns Tuesday, he will have played one game instead of three this week. Check he is in the lineup before you start him, and find a streaming option to fill the gap Friday and Sunday.

What to do

• Hold Dylan Larkin but do not start him Friday or Sunday.

• Stream a centre for the two games Larkin cannot play.

• Watch for Alex DeBrincat and Lucas Raymond to pick up Larkin's power-play minutes.

• Confirm Larkin is active before starting him Tuesday.

Schedule this week