Dylan Larkin has missed the playoffs in six of his seven NHL seasons during the Detroit Red Wings’ long rebuild. Eligible for unrestricted free agent status next summer, the 26-year-old Wings captain will either stay in Motown or sign with an established post-season contender.
A skilled, swift-skating center, Larkin has exceeded the 60-point plateau three times in the last five seasons and reached the 30-goal mark twice. Cap Friendly indicates he’s in the final season of a five-year contract with an average annual value of $6.1 million.
On Sept. 16, Larkin told Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman that his camp had been in contract discussions with Red Wings management during the off-season.
“I really don’t see myself playing for another team,” he said. While unsure when a deal might get done, he felt talks were moving along.
The projected hike in the salary cap to between $87.5 million and $88 million for 2024-25, however, could affect Larkin’s contract talks. On Oct. 4, The Athletic’s Max Bultman suggested Mathew Barzal’s recent contract extension with the New York Islanders ($9.15-million AAV) could factor into the cost of keeping Larkin in Detroit.
Daily Faceoff’s Frank Seravalli made the bold prediction that Larkin will be traded before the March 3 trade deadline. He pointed out the Wings star carries a full no-trade clause this season, giving him control over potential destinations if he and the Wings fail to agree to a new deal.
