The Detroit Red Wings re-signed upcoming unrestricted free agent centre and team captain Dylan Larkin to a 8-year contract worth $8.7 million per season.
Dylan Larkin Re-Signs With the Detroit Red Wings
Detroit Red Wings and captain Dylan Larkin agree to long term extension.
8 years x $8.7 million AAV, sources told ESPN.
— Emily Kaplan (@emilymkaplan) March 1, 2023
Over his seven-year NHL career Larkin has only played for the Red Wings. He has put up 169 goals and 246 assists for 415 career points in 543 career games. He was originally drafted in the first round, 15th overall of the 2014 NHL draft by the Red Wings.
Last season he scored 31 goals and 38 assists for 69 points. He also added 47 minutes in penalties. His possession numbers were 53.8 percent Corsi and a relative Corsi of 9.8.
What This Means for the Future
With thoughts of feeling settled down, the fact that Dylan Larkin re-signs is the second bout of good news in quick succession for the Winged Wheel’s captain. Larkin just recently got engaged to his girlfriend. In terms of the hockey aspect, this helps solidify the plan that Executive Vice President and General Manager Steve Yzerman has been establishing. This is another big move after the recent hiring of head coach Derek Lalonde Further, this is a statement in that Larkin had one more year left on his contract before his pending UFA status kicks in at the conclusion of the 2022-23 season.
The Red Wings have young players like Moritz Seider or Lucas Raymond supplanting themselves as top players. This means they are very close to shaking the re-build tag phase off their strategic plan. Moreover, with the Larkin signing, this gives everyone the feeling of stability. The franchise now has a boost of confidence that the plan is progressing. In addition, Larkin will be the captain of the team long-term. The Red Wings now make a serious push to leap into consistent post-season contention beginning in the next year or two. Personally, Larkin looks to build off his second-best career numbers with 31 tucks and a tally of 69 points. To sum up, this signing presents itself as a huge opportunity for Larkin, the young Wing lineup, and the franchise as a whole.
Main Photo: Brian Bradshaw Sevald-USA TODAY Sports
