HockeyBuzz Hotstove: Thoughts on Dylan Larkin's long-term extension with the Detroit Red Wings

As much a as I believe analytics should be taken seriously as an important part of today’s game, I think their comments in this article weiGh to heavily on them. Many of the advanced stats that they quote here don’t always reflect how good the player actually is. So much of hockey is about also who you are playing along side and the position you are put in. Larkin was paid for his potential, not his production. The Wings I think saw enough to say that this guy has the talent, the drive and intangibles to get better and has already shown improvement. As he gets even better along with the young players around him, their analytics will improve dramatically.

This is probably one of Kenny's better contracts, even if he overpaid a million for this season and next, it's at least refreshing to see overpaying for a future with potential now, instead of resigning pylons to long term, retirement contracts.

The term was odd. I'd have gone for less term to get to UFA sooner. 6M is not out of range when you see what Wilson and Lucic make. Neither have the potential that Larkin has, and they both fill a role that is easier to replace. Winning a Cup helps justify the over payment and Larkin doesn't have that on the resume'. (and may never if he stays in Detroilet)
I see him pulling a Taveras if he can put a few good seasons together. 6M isn't chump change, and Holland should be smiling about this deal in 2 or 3 years. Larkin's agent didn't do him any favors with the 5 years.
If the Wings don't turn this around soon, 6M is a very trade-able contract and could net a few good picks/prospects at a TDL down the road. Trade him to AZ and Tanner will have him hyped to be as good as McDavid!

I haven't watched Larkin play all that much but I thought the opinion from Detroit fans was he was responsible in his own end. If any fan of Detroit could clarify that for me that'd be great, cause I was in favor of the contract under the assumption that Larkin could play a two-way kind of game.

It’s harder to justify, but it’s always a better gamble to pay for future production then past production.

I haven't watched Larkin play all that much but I thought the opinion from Detroit fans was he was responsible in his own end. If any fan of Detroit could clarify that for me that'd be great, cause I was in favor of the contract under the assumption that Larkin could play a two-way kind of game.
- Thrill81

Larkin is at best below average defensively. He's not a train wreck in his own zone but he's also probably not any more defensively reliable what you'd expect out of a typical plug.

Obviously the scoring more than makes up for it, especially if it continues to improve. And hopefully he'll continue to round out his defensive game as well. But at this point he is definitely not what I would call a two-way player.

I'm disappointed with you Todd

Larkin's 17-18 5v5 p60 was 2.24

Which is Panarin, Arvidsson, Connor, Schefeile, Barkov territory

He is an elite transition player and a very good passer as well

I'm disappointed with you Todd

Larkin's 17-18 5v5 p60 was 2.24

Which is Panarin, Arvidsson, Connor, Schefeile, Barkov territory

He is an elite transition player and a very good passer as well
- Feds91Stammer

Ya Larks is a great player for sure. And super young on a team that has some major issues. I like the signing at 6.1M, and see him be a perrenial 25+ goal scorer who can pass and skate with the best of them. Term was odd, I am sure most Det fans would have preffered 8 years, but at least you have locked up your young talent.

Ya Larks is a great player for sure. And super young on a team that has some major issues. I like the signing at 6.1M, and see him be a perrenial 25+ goal scorer who can pass and skate with the best of them. Term was odd, I am sure most Det fans would have preffered 8 years, but at least you have locked up your young talent.
- bikeguy99

I'm guessing Larkin left money on the table to get to UFA quicker.

I'm guessing Larkin left money on the table to get to UFA quicker.
- Feds91Stammer

And thats good news for Det fans. Unlike many retirement contracts in their system, this kid will have drive to up his worth for a monster pay day.

Larkin is at best below average defensively. He's not a train wreck in his own zone but he's also probably not any more defensively reliable what you'd expect out of a typical plug.

Obviously the scoring more than makes up for it, especially if it continues to improve. And hopefully he'll continue to round out his defensive game as well. But at this point he is definitely not what I would call a two-way player.
- Sven22

Alright, I'm misinformed it seems but his offensive production certainly isn't lacking for a 6 million dollar player. 6 Million for a 60pt guy that's only getting better is a good deal in my book.