Rumor: Dylan Larkin done in Detroit.

The Detroit Red Wings have gone through a lengthy period of mediocrity, one that has been tough on a fan base that had become so accustomed to winning thanks to some pretty incredible Red Wings teams of the past. Throughout that period the Red Wings have relied heavily on the services of talented young forward Dylan Larkin, a player that would eventually be named the organization's captain which is a role that he will be reprising once again in the 2022-23 National Hockey League regular season.

In spite of the fact that Larkin, who is a native of Waterford, Michigan, has become a core piece of the Red Wings current roster, there are now legitimate questions about how Larkin and the Red Wings will be moving into the future. Larkin enters the season in the final year of a 5 year contract, one that comes in at an average annual value and salary cap hit of $6.1 million per season.

That contract was signed by former Detroit Red Wings general manager Ken Holland, which makes this the first real negotiation between Larkin and current Red Wings general manager Steve Yzerman and there are real questions about whether or not the Red Wings view Larkin as a long term part of their future. Of course both the Red Wings and Larkin himself have indicated publicly that they wish to get a deal done, but recently NHL insider Frank Seravalli made a wild prediction when he predicted a fallout between Larkin and the only team he has ever played for.

From Seravalli:

With all eyes on Patrick Kane, Detroit Red Wings captain Dylan Larkin will be traded before the March 3 trade deadline. Larkin is quietly entering the final year of his deal and is a pending UFA. He holds a no-trade clause, but that could be a big change for a Michigan kid who has played almost exclusively in the Detroit area his entire.

A massive contract extension signed by New York Islanders forward Mathew Barzal earlier this week has no doubt raised the price tag on any ask coming from the Larkin camp, with Barzal signing for 8 years at an average annual value and salary cap hit of $9.15 million per season. Whether or not money is enough to drive a wedge between Larkin and the organization based in his home state of Michigan though, remains to be seen.

While Seravalli believes a trade could be made, it is important to note that at the end of the day Larkin holds much of the power here. Not only is he an important piece of the Red Wings roster, but the final year of his current deal includes a full no trade clause. Should the Red Wings decide to make a trade involving Larkin, he would have final say on any deal that could potentially be made.

The 26 year old former first round pick (15th overall) at the 2014 NHL Entry Draft is coming off a strong season with 31 goals and 28 assists for a total of 69 points in 71 games last season, and no doubt he will seek to improve on those numbers this season as he heads towards the biggest payday of his young career.