Dylan Larkin finally has an answer from Todd McLellan: Detroit expects its captain to play tonight if doctors clear him this afternoon.
That final medical approval is the only thing standing between Larkin and a return to the Red Wings lineup.
McLellan told local reporters Tuesday morning that Larkin will play tonight as long as the doctors give him the okay this afternoon.
That is a major shift from uncertainty to a clear plan. Detroit isn't talking about waiting another game or easing him through another practice before making a decision.
Larkin remains listed on injured reserve with an upper-body issue, with his return timeline reaching at least October 6.
The sequence is simple now: medical clearance comes first, then Larkin goes back into the lineup. Detroit has already made its hockey decision.
McLellan's message also removes much of the mystery around the captain's status. The Red Wings aren't preparing for a long absence if the medical check goes the way they expect.
Detroit is ready to put Dylan Larkin back in
There isn't much reason to hide the importance of this development. Larkin is Detroit's top center, its captain and the player McLellan can lean on in every situation.
Over his NHL career, Larkin has produced 276 goals and 643 points across 808 regular-season games.
His return would immediately give Detroit another option in the top six while restoring a familiar piece for special teams, late-game situations and key faceoffs.
The update from McLellan was direct, and that's what makes it significant. This isn't a vague day-to-day answer from the coach. The Red Wings intend to play Larkin if the doctors sign off.
The visible takeaway from the update is the certainty in the message: there is no lineup debate left, only the final medical decision.
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That puts the next update squarely on the doctors. If Larkin receives clearance this afternoon, Detroit's captain should be back over the boards tonight.
And after waiting for clarity on his status, Red Wings fans finally have the answer they wanted - with one final box still left to check before puck drop.
Will Dylan Larkin be cleared to play tonight?
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