Dylan Larkin is still day-to-day, and the Red Wings don't know yet whether he'll be in the lineup for Friday's opener.
Todd McLellan confirmed the update Wednesday. The center's status for the home date against the Rangers remains up in the air.
No details on what's holding him back. Day-to-day is the only label attached to it for now.
Losing him would sting. Larkin scored 34 goals and 67 points in 74 games last season, his fifth straight 30-goal year.
Detroit has leaned on him for 808 NHL games. There's no easy replacement for that kind of player in October.
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The timing adds another layer. David Pagnotta recently laid out what a Larkin trade could cost, starting with a proven young top-six forward as a primary piece.
Rangers arrive in Detroit on a back-to-back after a shutout loss
The Rangers visit on the second half of a back-to-back, after hosting Tampa Bay on Thursday. They opened with a 3-0 loss in Boston.
That's a tired opponent the Red Wings would love to catch at full strength. Without their best forward, the matchup looks a lot less friendly.
McLellan shouldn't rush it. Turning a day-to-day issue into something longer in game one is a bad trade for a single early-season win.
It's like running a marathon on a sore ankle because the start line looks exciting. You pay for it around mile 18.
The first stretch helps. Detroit plays four of their first five at home, with Winnipeg, Ottawa and Seattle all coming to town after the Rangers.
Steve Yzerman is watching this one closely too. A healthy Larkin is worth more in any conversation, on the ice or on the phone.
Friday's morning skate should say plenty. If he isn't out there, the questions about his health and his future in Detroit will get louder at the same time.
Should the Red Wings hold Dylan Larkin out of Friday's opener even if he's close?
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