January 19, 2023 | 9:20pm ET
BY DAVID PAGNOTTA, The Fourth Period
RED WINGS, LARKIN FAR APART IN CONTRACT TALKS
TORONTO, ON – With six weeks and one day to go until this season’s NHL trade deadline, the Detroit Red Wings have a very significant decision to make about the future of their captain Dylan Larkin.
Larkin, 26, is in the final year of a five-year, $30.5 million contract. While his salary cap hit is $6.1 million, he is earning $5.25 million in actual dollars this season. He also owns a full no-trade clause.
He has made it clear publicly that he wants to stay in Detroit beyond this season, and without question the Red Wings would like to get him locked up to an extension. But multiple sources told me earlier today that the two sides remain far apart in negotiations.
The Red Wings recently presented Larkin’s camp with a new offer – believed to have been presented this week – and it was “not received well,” one source said.
Larkin’s agent Pat Brisson declined to comment on negotiations, though the two sides remain in discussions despite a sizeable gap in demands.
As I explained in our latest edition of Market Rumblings, term is not believed to be the issue as both sides would like to work out a long-term contract, perhaps the max eight-years. It’s not surprise the debate seems to revolve around the dollars.
While I don’t know where each side stands, I’d imagine the young star centre is looking for at least $8 million on an AAV, and I’d wager Red Wings GM Steve Yzerman is not currently primed to give Larkin north or that or anything around $9 million per season.
Talks will continue, but a decision may need to be made prior to the trade deadline. If a pathway to an extension isn’t visible from Detroit’s perspective, they could ask him to waive his NTC – which Larkin could refuse, as is his right, and walk away as a free agent in the summer.
Larkin’s teammate, Tyler Bertuzzi, can also hit UFA status July 1 if he doesn’t reach an extension, either.
As I reported last week, Bertuzzi’s camp and the Wings had preliminary talks earlier in the season and discussions are expected to pick up in the near future. As of today, that hasn’t happened yet.
Bertuzzi doesn’t own any no-trade protection and comes with a $4.75 million cap hit.
David Pagnotta is the Editor-in-Chief of The Fourth Period, an Insider at NHL Network, and a host and Insider on SiriusXM NHL Network Radio. Follow him on Twitter and Instagram.
Past Columns:
Jan 17, 2023 - Stars will add if right fit is found
Jan. 11, 2023 - Bertuzzi open to extension, Wings to evaluate