The Red Wings announced July 15 that Steve Yzerman would transition from general manager to senior adviser.
"In any organization, competitive people are going to have differences, and I think that's what makes him great," Larkin said. "He's a competitive person, and he pushes for success, and I respect that a ton. I think I've learned a ton from him in terms of leadership. I thank him for that time."
Amid the uncertainty, forward Patrick Kane left for the Chicago Blackhawks on July 23, signing a two-year, $16 million contract ($8 million average annual value). The Red Wings announced Friday they would start the season without a captain, then announced Tuesday assistant GM Shawn Horcoff would serve as interim GM while the search continues for a new leader of hockey operations.
Asked if any part of him regretted how the situation has unfolded, Larkin said no. He also said he never meant for the trade request to become public, he didn't foresee what would happen and some of it was out of his control. He declined to comment on the details of his trade request, whether it still stands or if there is any chance of a reconciliation.
"We've had good talks with Dylan, we're understanding of where he's come from and we're going to take this day by day," Horcoff said. "We're going to see where this goes. Appreciated that he was honest with us, and we were kind of honest back with him. Again, we're going to keep that private, but we're going to move forward."
Larkin said he has spoken to his teammates and will try to earn back their trust.
"I would say to you guys that it was not because of them, and that's as far as I'll go on that," Larkin said. "I've tried to give them space to let it sink in, and I wish so badly I could be on the ice, because that's where the actions will follow the talking."
Forward J.T. Compher said the players will keep the conversation private.
"It's always a little bit tough, but we're going to ask the same of Dylan as we ask of every guy in this room," Compher said. "If you're on our roster, if you're on our team, you need to do whatever it takes to help us win."
The Red Wings open the season against the New York Rangers at Little Caesars Arena on Oct. 2 (6:30 p.m. ET; TNT, truTV, HBO MAX). If Larkin is in the lineup, how will the fans react?
"I can't really control that," Larkin said. "Obviously, they're passionate fans. There's frustration there. I'm frustrated as well, and I just hope that there's 22 other guys in the room. It's about them, not about one guy, so we're going to hopefully move on."
Larkin added: "I just want to play. I'm a hockey player, and there's a lot of people in there that I care deeply about -- players, staff. Just being around them, it's home, you know? One day at a time, one game at a time. Like the rest of the team, I'm excited to be a part of this team and back at the bottom of the totem pole, which is maybe kind of nice."
How do the Red Wings keep this from becoming a distraction?
"I don't have the answer to that question," coach Todd McLellan said. "I can sit up here and lie and try and beat around the bush. I have no idea what's in front of us. But I do know what we have in the locker room, and I do know he's got his teammates' support.
"He's done what he needs to do with his teammates, and he wants to earn their trust. He's sat with me, and he wants to do the same with the coaching staff. And then there's 19,000 people that'll sit in the rink each day. He's got to continue to do that, and he's determined to do it.
"Not going to be easy, I'm sure. But he's here, and he's a hell of a player, and we'll help him through it."
