Detroit Red Wings captain Dylan Larkin is returning to the lineup Tuesday night versus the Ottawa Senators.
Larkin last played on March 6 after suffering a lower-body injury. His return comes at a critical juncture as Detroit (84 pts) and Ottawa (83 pts) are separated by just a single point in the race for the final Eastern Conference wild-card spots.
The captain is back! 🐙
— NHL (@NHL) March 24, 2026
Dylan Larkin will play his first game since March 6 tonight! pic.twitter.com/eMfa8yRnzM
Before the injury, Larkin was putting together one of the best statistical seasons of his career, tallying 55 points (28G, 27A) in 63 games, fresh off an Olympic Gold Medal with Team USA in February. He leads the Red Wings with 8 game-winning goals and 4 overtime goals this season.
The Red Wings signalled Larkin's return by reassigning rookie Michael Brandsegg-Nygard to the AHL's Grand Rapids Griffins. Larkin is projected to reclaim his spot at center on a line with Lucas Raymond and David Perron.
Detroit went 3-3-1 during Larkin's absence, barely treading water as they fell one point behind the New York Islanders for the final playoff seed.