In this edition of the hotstove, we share our thoughts on Dylan Larkin's five-year, $30.5 million extension with the Detroit Red Wings.
Todd Cordell
The money is a little too high for me.
Larkin has averaged 1.73 points per 60 at 5v5 over the last two years, which ties him with Rick Nash, Anthony Beauvillier, and Jonathan Toews for 123rd among forwards. Solid but unspectacular production.
During that same span, he owns a 43.5 Goals For% (-5.64% relative to the team) and a 46.46 Expected Goals For% (-2.75% relative to the team). In terms of 5v5 defense, he has been worth *negative* Goals Above Replacement in both of those years.
I think $6.1 million annually is too much to give to someone who produces at a 2nd line rate (at 5v5) and, at this point, provides no defensive value. Even more so when you consider the Red Wings only bought one UFA year.
Peter Tessier This deal is odd because it’s only 5 years and because of Larkin’s age. However, if you look at the bigger picture it gives Larkin the ability to come out as a UFA at age 27 and another chance to cash in. It also buys Detroit time to get their house in order and make themselves not the Islanders. Some may say this is a bit steep but it works well for many reasons and most importantly for Larkin.
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