Dylan Larkin said he doesn't see himself playing anywhere other than the Detroit Red Wings. Might Detroit trade him if contract talks stall?

Dylan Larkin has missed the playoffs in six of his seven NHL seasons during the Detroit Red Wings' long rebuild. Eligible for unrestricted free agent status next summer, the 26-year-old Wings captain will either stay in Motown or sign with an established post-season contender.

A skilled, swift-skating center, Larkin has exceeded the 60-point plateau three times in the last five seasons and reached the 30-goal mark twice. Cap Friendly indicates he's in the final season of a five-year contract with an average annual value of $6.1 million. 

On Sept. 16, Larkin told Sportsnet's Elliotte Friedman that his camp had been in contract discussions with Red Wings management during the off-season. 

“I really don't see myself playing for another team,” he said. While unsure when a deal might get done, he felt talks were moving along. 

The projected hike in the salary cap to between $87.5 million and $88 million for 2024-25, however, could affect Larkin's contract talks. On Oct. 4, The Athletic's Max Bultman suggested Mathew Barzal's recent contract extension with the New York Islanders ($9.15-million AAV) could factor into the cost of keeping Larkin in Detroit.

Daily Faceoff's Frank Seravalli made the bold prediction that Larkin will be traded before the March 3 trade deadline. He pointed out the Wings star carries a full no-trade clause this season, giving him control over potential destinations if he and the Wings fail to agree to a new deal.