The contract negotiations between the Detroit Red Wings and their All-Star center Dylan Larkin have reportedly hit an impasse in recent weeks, with neither side willing to compromise at the moment. But despite the messy situation, Larkin still hopes to remain with the franchise for years to come.
During a recent chat with the reporters, Larking acknowledged that contract talks with the Red Wings had been anything but smooth. But despite this, the 26-year-old player still sees his future in Detroit.
“I’ve said it all along, and I stand by it: I really see myself as a Red Wing. [But] there’s contract negotiating to be done,” said Larkin. “This is my first time in this position as an unrestricted free agent. But I doubt contracts really ever go smoothly until they’re done.”
Larkin is scheduled to become an unrestricted free agent after the 2022-23 NHL season and is apparently looking for an annual salary north of $9 million. The Red Wings are currently not willing to go this far, with their latest offer being at eight years and $64 million, which translates to $8 million per year.
Even if he doesn’t agree to a new deal with Detroit in the foreseeable future, Larkin isn’t in danger of being traded if he doesn’t want. His current deal includes a full no-trade clause, allowing him to veto any trade agreement Red Wings make with another team.
Dylan Larkin is Detroit’s only All-Star player this season after scoring 15 points to go with 28 assists in 47 games. Larking totaled 401 points (162 goals and 239 assists) since making his NHL debut with the Red Wings in 2015–16.
