Bob Duff: Larkin talks contract Detroit Red Wings forward Dylan Larkin is confident that his contract talks with the team will be resolved before the start of training camp.

Mantha and Athanasiou are definitely pieces of the puzzle going forward, but Larkin is the apex of the future for this franchise ...

Hot take: Mantha is better than Larkin.

Might not end up that way in the long run (Larkin plays center and is almost two years younger), but right now? Mantha is a better goal scorer, much better on the powerplay, better primary points per 60 at even strength over the last two years combined (although Larkin edged just ahead of him looking at last year alone), better possession stats.

Hot take: Mantha is better than Larkin.

Might not end up that way in the long run (Larkin plays center and is almost two years younger), but right now? Mantha is a better goal scorer, much better on the powerplay, better primary points per 60 at even strength over the last two years combined (although Larkin edged just ahead of him looking at last year alone), better possession stats.
- Sven22

I would tend to agree with you but I do think Larkin started to show more promise last season. I have been critical of Larkin before because many made him out to be the next captain after seeing him play for one month. Larkin brings more skills to the table and while he will never be the goal scorer Mantha is he brings alot with zone exit, zone entries, and his passing has come a long way. If Larkin improves D play and passing a bit I think he can actually hit a 1C ceiling.

I would tend to agree with you but I do think Larkin started to show more promise last season. I have been critical of Larkin before because many made him out to be the next captain after seeing him play for one month. Larkin brings more skills to the table and while he will never be the goal scorer Mantha is he brings alot with zone exit, zone entries, and his passing has come a long way. If Larkin improves D play and passing a bit I think he can actually hit a 1C ceiling.
- Feds91Stammer

Seems like in the context of these contracts, Mantha got the bridge "show-me" deal of someone that could hit 30+ goals but hasn't done it yet, and Larkin is going to get the projected growth type deal that more young guys are getting locked up for. Hopefully in a few years Larkin's deal looks as good as Scheifele's (though I don't think his ceiling is that high), and with those savings we can pay Mantha some extra if his point totals do explode in the next 2 years.

Seems like in the context of these contracts, Mantha got the bridge "show-me" deal of someone that could hit 30+ goals but hasn't done it yet, and Larkin is going to get the projected growth type deal that more young guys are getting locked up for. Hopefully in a few years Larkin's deal looks as good as Scheifele's (though I don't think his ceiling is that high), and with those savings we can pay Mantha some extra if his point totals do explode in the next 2 years.
- JohnnySoze

Larkin did have a better age 21 season than Scheifele did.

Larkin did have a better age 21 season than Scheifele did.
- Feds91Stammer

If Larkin becomes a PPG bonafide 1st line center like Scheifele is, obviously thats a fantastic thing for the Wings and his contract will look great. I'm just saying thats a pretty high ceiling for Larkin and his contract could be worth it if he peaks at 1b center ~.85 PPG

Whats Larkins contract looking like 8 yr, 7-8M AAV?

Whats Larkins contract looking like 8 yr, 7-8M AAV?
- bikeguy99

If it is a 8 year deal I say 6.5-7m is fair.

His closest comparable of recent years in terms of points per game in the first 3 seasons at age 19,20, and 21 is Huberdeau who signed a bridge deal after his ELC.

If it is a 8 year deal I say 6.5-7m is fair.

His closest comparable of recent years in terms of points per game in the first 3 seasons at age 19,20, and 21 is Huberdeau who signed a bridge deal after his ELC.
- Feds91Stammer

Fair comp considering Hub's signed 5.9M 2 years ago. An 8 year would probably be ideal for this club. Need to start locking up the young talent.