Detroit Red Wings captain Dylan Larkin enjoyed a comeback year last season, rebounding from a disappointing output in the COVID-shortened 2020-21 season to be on pace for career high outputs in both goals and assists. However, his year would ultimately be cut short after electing to undergo core muscle surgery; he finished the year with 31 goals and 38 assists. 

He can become an unrestricted free agent at the conclusion of the upcoming 2022-23 NHL season, which will officially begin next month. 

Over the course of his career that began in 2015, Larkin has become one of the most popular players on the roster, and was officially named captain of the team prior to the 2020-21 season. Prior to the arrival of current GM Steve Yzerman, Larkin was inked to a long-term extension by Detroit in August of 2018 by Ken Holland that carried a salary cap hit of $6.1 million. And that deal happens to be expiring after next season. 

Do Red Wings fans have to be concerned over Larkin potentially departing? 

"We’re having conversations. A lot of negotiating, going back and forth. Ultimately, in my heart, it’s where I want to be,” Larkin told Elliotte Friedman and Jeff Marek just outside of Las Vegas. I don’t really see myself playing for another team. It’s moving along. I can’t really tell you when or how [the deal gets resolved], but that’s where I want to be.”

Is he confident that an extension could be on the horizon?

“I'm hoping,” he replied.

In 504 career games, all with the Red Wings, Larkin has scored 147 goals with 211 assists.