Larkin regrets All-Star Game remarks, didn't mean to 'disrespect' league

Dylan Larkin has addressed comments he made about not wanting to be included in the All-Star Game festivities.

"In the moment, I said what I said but I really do regret that," Larkin said on Saturday after the All-Star Game rosters were finalized, according to the Detroit Free Press' Helene St. James. "I didn't mean to disrespect the league. I feel I did that, and disrespected the Red Wings.

"My main goal as a hockey player in the state of Michigan is to represent myself and the Red Wings and be a good example for kids growing up playing the game. I felt I wasn't that, so I'm sorry about that."

On Dec. 31, Larkin told reporters he would prefer to get the days off rather than participate if fans voted him into the All-Star Game. The comments drew attention around the league, including from Sportsnet's Brian Burke, who harshly criticized the Detroit Red Wings forward.

"I have to own up to them. I didn't mean for them to become that big of a thing. I saw what Brian Burke said and I have a lot of respect for Brian," Larkin added. "He was in the right to say that. I have to represent this team and this franchise and my teammates better than that."

The 23-year-old has recorded 11 goals and 29 points in 45 games this season. Since making his comments on New Year's Eve, Larkin is riding a five-game point streak with two goals and three assists.