BREAKING: Red Wings extend Dylan Larkin

The Detroit Red Wings and captain Dylan Larkin are officially continuing their relationship.

Minutes ago, news broke that the team and Larkin have agreed to an eight year contract extension that will see the homegrown talent paid an AAV of $8.7 million per season.

News was released earlier this year that he and the team were reportedly approximately $1 million apart in their negotiations, with the added news that Red Wings general manager Steve Yzerman allegedly to remain firm in his reported offer of $8 million per season. He was eligible to become an unresisted free agent after this season ends, though he repeatedly stated his preference to stay with his hometown team and the only NHL club that he's ever suited up for. 

Larkin's new deal is comparable to other contracts that have been signed throughout the NHL, including New York Islanders forward Matt Barzal agreeing to an eight year, $73.2 million (AAV of $9.15 million) deal as well as Nashville Predators forward Flip Forsberg inking an eight year, $68 million (AAV of $8.5 million) deal. Additionally, new Islanders forward Bo Horvat agreed to an eight year extension with an AAV of $8.5 million. 

A mainstay on the Red Wings roster since the 2015-16 season when he burst onto the scene as a rookie, Larkin has only played in a single postseason series; his arrival in Detroit coincided with the start of their rebuilding process, which has included several lean years.