One general manager that stayed busy this off-season was Steve Yzerman. He did a fantastic job making upgrades to his club as they look to be more competitive in the Eastern Conference and Atlantic Division. While one core piece has been rumoured in trades, one is looking to stay put. Today’s NHL Rumour is that Dylan Larkin is looking to get a contract extension.
NHL Rumours: Dylan Larkin In Contract Extension Talks
Rumour: Ansar Khan discusses that extension talks are underway with Dylan Larkin
As always, big names are the ones surrounding the most NHL rumours in the hockey world. This time, Dylan Larkin is the one involved in contract extension rumours. Steve Yzerman handed out big contracts this off-season to players such as Ville Husso, Andrew Copp, Ben Chiarot and David Perron. Larkin is next on his to-do list. Both sides have been in contract talks since July, looking to keep the captain in the Motor City. Larkin is coming off a contract that he signed back in 2018 which was a five-year $30 million dollar contract.
Why Larkin Is Worth The Extension
Larkin is coming off his most productive season since signing the five-year deal. In 71 games played, he scored 31 goals, 38 assists, and 69 points. His 31 goals were one shy of his career-best and he elevated his point totals by a wide margin compared to the last two seasons. Larkin led the team in scoring this past season and is currently centring the top line. If the captain can build upon this season, Detroit will be in great shape.
Despite not being the best defensively, Larkin is sensational offensively and is deployed on the power play. 13 of his 69 points came on the man advantage. He plays with great speed to create his chances.
How This Benefits The Red Wings
The Detroit Red Wings will be much better if they lock up Larkin further. The team will boast a solid 1-2 punch down the middle with him and Copp and it provides balance down the middle and in the top six. This is an up-and-coming squad that has bright lights shining within the lineup such as Lucas Raymond and Mortiz Seider. The team now has a goalie and should not be overlooked. Not only is he the captain, but he is without question the best centre on the roster. Yzerman does not play games and will look to get this done sooner rather than later.
Projected Contract
Ansar Khan discusses in the article some of the projected outlooks and uses a comparison. The comparable is Sam Reinhart of the Florida Panthers. Both have similar stats, but Reinhardt makes $6.5 million. With the way centres are getting paid these days, it would not come as a surprise if Larkin gets north of $8 million. He will definitely be making more than the $6.1 cap hit on his current deal.
If talks go into the season and Larkin gets off to a hot start and produces, the number could fluctuate and complicate things further. He may not be a legend like some of the past greats, but this is a guy who could end up spending his entire career with the Red Wings.
