Detroit Red Wings captain Dylan Larkin is eligible to become an unresisted free agent after this season ends, though he's repeatedly stated his preference to stay with his hometown team and the only NHL club that he's ever suited up for. 

A recently released report from earlier this week indicated that Larkin and Red Wings general manager Steve Yzerman are reportedly apart in their contract negotiations by approximately $1 million, which isn't an insurmountable obstacle to get around.

But now, according to former Red Wings forward and four-time Stanley Cup winner Darren McCarty, don't be surprised to see Yzerman play hardball with Larkin.

This certainly will be an interesting next couple of months with what Yzerman and the Red Wings decide to do with Larkin, along with fellow unrestricted free agent Tyler Bertuzzi.