Red Wings get Larkin back after 4-game absence following scary scene

Detroit Red Wings captain Dylan Larkin will play against the Anaheim Ducks on Monday night, head coach Derek Lalonde said following the morning skate.

Larkin sat out four contests after sustaining a concerning injury during a loss to the Ottawa Senators on Dec. 9. The American forward briefly laid motionless on the ice after opposing winger Mathieu Joseph punched him in the back of the head. Senators defenseman Artem Zub also fell on Larkin's legs.

The medical staff brought out a stretcher, but Larkin didn't need it. He was helped off the ice and didn't return.

Larkin came into Monday sitting two goals and one point behind Alex DeBrincat for the team lead this season despite playing six fewer games. Larkin has 11 tallies and 14 assists in 24 contests.

The 27-year-old has the highest goals per game and points per game rates of his nine-year career in 2023-24, albeit in the smaller sample size.

Detroit went 1-3-0 in Larkin's absence. The Red Wings entered Monday's slate sitting fourth in the Atlantic Division at 15-11-4.