Dylan Larkin calls out Red Wings fans and media amidst strained contract negotiations

We're now less than a calendar month away from the NHL's March 3rd trade deadline and there's still no clear indication what the Detroit Red Wings are going to do with captain Dylan Larkin.

Larkin, of course, is a pending unrestricted free agent and Red Wings GM Steve Yzerman risks having his captain walk away from his team for absolutely nothing this upcoming offseason unless the two sides can come to terms. There's also the possibility that Yzerman and the Red Wings trade Larkin, but most analysts believe that both parties would prefer to come to a new agreement.

While it's tough to get reliable information regarding negotiations given that Yzerman is notoriously secretive, David Pagnotta of The Fourth Period has reported that Larkin is seeking $9 million annually on a long-term deal.

“He’s looking for a long-term deal, that eight-year extension, and I believe that number starts with a nine, as in $9 million,” Pagnotta said on the NHL Network earlier this week. “It could be just above that on an AAV. He’s looking for those types of dollars, and I believe that message was relayed prior to Bo Horvat signing his new contract with the New York Islanders.”

Again, it's tough to know whether or not this information is accurate simply because of Yzerman's track record. The fact of the matter is that few people really know what's happening behind the scenes with the Red Wings and the team's fanbase most often learns of the team's news through the team itself because the so called "insiders" have such a difficult time getting information from team sources. All of this is to say, 'don't believe everything you hear'. Which is exactly the sentiment that Larkin himself preached this past weekend when he was in Miami for the 2023 NHL All-Star Game.

When asked about all the speculation surrounding his negotiations, Larkin sort of called out fans and media for throwing out inaccurate takes.

"It just seems people are fishing and speculating," Larkin said. "I don't really want my business out there. I understand we're in the spotlight and fans want to know. They deserve to know. But I think it's not really the most truthful, you know?"

- Dylan Larkin

Personally, I feel like Larkin will end up in a Red Wings' jersey long-term. It's just clear to me that this team is on the rise and that Larkin wants to be a part of that. But then again... money talks.