Dylan Larkin shares thoughts on contract negotiations

Will he or won't he? That's one of the biggest questions facing the Detroit Red Wings and their homegrown captain in forward Dylan Larkin, who is a pending unrestricted free agent and also in the midst of contract negotiations regarding a long-term extension. 

News was released earlier this week that he and the team are reportedly approximately $1 million apart in their negotiations, with the added news that Red Wings general manager Steve Yzerman is set to remain firm in his alleged offer of $8 million per season.

What does Larkin have to say about the situation? 

"I've said it all along, and I stand by it: I really see myself as a Red Wing. [But] there's contract negotiating to be done," said Larkin during media appearances in Florida for this weekend's NHL All-Star Game at FLA Live Arena. "This is my first time in this position as an unrestricted free agent. But I doubt contracts really ever go smoothly until they're done."

However, Larkin appeared to call into question the veracity of some of the recent reports of the ongoing negotiations.

"I wouldn't say that, like, the [contract news] that's been made public is really the most truthful," Larkin said. "It just seems people are fishing and speculating. 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? It's just speculation, and I don't really read into that too much."

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. 

"I take great pride in how I carry myself. There's been some very difficult days and difficult seasons," he said.

The NHL Trade Deadline falls one month from now on March 3, and there has also been speculation that Yzerman could elect to deal Larkin in exchange for a considerable haul in return should a deal not get worked out. We'll keep our eyes peeled on any further developments.