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Dylan Larkin should get eight years from the Red Wings
David Pagnotta: Dennis Bernstein of The Fourth Period on Detroit Red Wings pending free agent Dylan Larkin.
** NHLRumors.com transcription
Irfaan Gaffar: “We’ll start with the captain in Detroit. That’s Dylan Larkin, who is a pending UFA. What say you about his future there?
Bernstein: “Well I know he didn’t appreciate on Wednesday night the question from BizNasty about if he’s going to be a Red Wing next year.
They have to sign him, Irf. It’s no question about that. He’s performed for his guy. He’s led by example. He’s a guy you want long-term on this team.
I’d be shocked if Detroit let him go. That’s not Stevie Yzerman’s MO. He’s identifying his core players. Certainly, Dylan Larkin’s one of them.
I would expect at some point to see an eight-year deal for this guy because he’s certainly the heartbeat of this team right now.
The Detroit Red Wings Playing With Fire When It Comes To Dylan Larkin – by Jim Biringer
Potential fits for Mattias Ekholm and comparable returns
Frank Seravalli of Daily Faceoff: Nashville Predators defenseman Mattias Ekholm is on the trade targets board now. The 32-year-old left-handed defenseman has three years left on his contract at $6.25 million per season. He has no trade protection.
Here are some concerns for his skating and lateral mobility. A middle pair defenseman.
Potential Fits: Edmonton Oilers, New York Rangers, Toronto Maple Leafs and the Florida Panthers.
Comparable returns:
Predators traded Ryan Ellis (five years at $6.25 million) to the Flyers for Philippe Myers and Nolan Patrick.
Cancuks traded Nate Schmidt (four years at $5.95 million) to the Jets for 3rd round pick.
Kraken traded Mark Giordano (UFA at $6.75) and Colin Blackwell for two second-round picks, a third-round pick and retain 50 percent of Giordano’s contract.