# Red Wings owner responds to fan backlash

> Detroit Red Wings owner Chris Ilitch addresses fan demands to sell the team amid roster turmoil.
- Title: Red Wings owner responds to fan backlash · The Japan Times
- Summary: Detroit Red Wings owner Chris Ilitch addresses fan demands to sell the team amid roster turmoil. Detroit Red Wings owner Chris Ilitch says he understands fan…
- Keywords: detroit red wings, chris ilitch, dylan larkin, nfl, hockey, nhl, news, politics, world, Red, Wings, owner
- Source: The Japan Times — https://japantimes.co.jp/sports/2026/10/16/more-sports/red-wings-owner-backlash
- Author: No Author
- Published: 2026-10-16T04:35:00+00:00
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: detroit red wings, chris ilitch, dylan larkin, nfl, hockey, nhl, news, politics, world
## Fan backlash
Fans began chanting to sell the Detroit Red Wings after owner Chris Ilitch faced roster turmoil.
## Roster issues
Captain Dylan Larkin requested a trade this summer while top defenseman lacks contract.
## Leadership change
Red Wings removed franchise legend Steve Yzerman as general manager in July.
## Owner response
Chris Ilitch says he understands why fans chant to sell the team.
## Key takeaway

Detroit Red Wings owner Chris Ilitch says he understands fan chants to sell the team after captain Dylan Larkin requested a trade and top defenseman lacks contract.