Detroit Red Wings captain Dylan Larkin can become an unrestricted free agent following next season.

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. 

Larkin also made the news earlier this year when it was announced that he changed his professional representation, moving on from KO Sports, and is now being represented by Matt Williams, Pat Brisson and CAA, who represent the likes of John Tavares, Patrick Kane, Jonathan Toews, and Anze Kopitar. 

So what might a new contract look like? 

According to MLive Red Wings beat writer Ansar Khan, don't be surprised to see Larkin get paid handsomely in his next deal, possibly even to the tune of $9 million per season:

"It likely will be an eight-year deal, the maximum term to which teams can sign their own players. Including the upcoming season, that would take the contract through the 2030-31 season when he’s 34.

If no deal is in place in the weeks leading up to the trade deadline, it will fuel speculation on whether the Red Wings should move Larkin. That would be his call since he has a no-trade clause. But it’s not likely to reach that point.

The sides eventually will find common ground before Larkin hits free agency next summer. The Waterford native envisions himself as a lifelong Red Wing. The club realizes he is a key component of its rebuild."

Would you be comfortable with paying Larkin that much over that length of time?