Detroit Red Wings

Red Wings Larkin: ‘Don’t See Myself Playing Anywhere Else’

Captain Dylan Larkin will be a UFA if he doesn’t sign a new contract with the Red Wings

Published

2 years ago

September 22, 2022

Bob Duff

Captain Dylan Larkin can't picture himself not playing for the Red Wings.

It was only natural that the contract status of captain Dylan Larkin would be a prime topic of conversations as the Detroit Red Wings were launching training camp for the 2022-23 NHL season Thursday.

“I don’t have any updates for you guys,” Larkin pointed out. At the same time, he wasn’t seeking to create any cause for alarm.

“I don’t see myself playing anywhere else,” Larkin quickly added.

Ready to eat.

🎥: https://t.co/W2XYEQS1aH pic.twitter.com/AxYaeLGxKV

— Detroit Red Wings (@DetroitRedWings) September 22, 2022

Larkin’s contract with the Red Wings will be expiring at the conclusion of the current season. If he doesn’t sign an extension with Detroit, he would become an unrestricted free agent on July 1, 2023.

In May, Larkin’s decision to switch agents as he was entering this negotiating window ended up causing a ripple of concern that he and the Red Wings were far apart in what they were seeking the shape of his new pact to be.

Dropping KO Sports, Inc. the agency headed by Kurt Overhardt. Larkin ended up moving to Pat Brisson and the Creative Arts Agency.

Larkin did seek to be adding a note of levity when the discussion was turning to his need for a new contract.

“I think it’s very important to get it done before next season,” Larkin said, “so I can play hockey.”

Larkin Won’t Find Negotiations To Be Distracting

Red Wings GM Steve Yzerman is loathe to talk about player contracts. He has no desire whatsoever to be negotiating through the media. If talks continue into the season, Larkin isn’t at all concerned that his future might become distracting to his present.

“You get so caught up in the daily grind, the games, practices, recovery and preparation for the next game,” Larkin explained. “Something I take very serious is how I recover, how I prepare. It’s pretty much all I do all season – play, practice, recover and prepare for the next game. That’s my routine and I’ve kind of found what works for me the last couple of years.

“I plan on sticking to that and playing out there for the fans and my teammates. I think it’s just great to be back on the ice, great to be back in Traverse City with the guys so I can focus on our team and the guys on the team.”

Teammate and frequent Larkin linemate Tyler Bertuzzi is also entering the last year of his deal with the Red Wings He’d also become a UFA without a new contract.