Detroit Red Wings captain Dylan Larkin has signed an eight-year contract extension worth $69 million. While this is typically a moment of celebration for any player, Larkin's mood was bittersweet as he addressed the media in Detroit.
Dylan Larkin Gets Emotional Following the Trade of His Close Friend
Despite Larkin's signing being significant news, he was asked about how tough it was to see core players Filip Hronek and Tyler Bertuzzi traded away for draft picks, especially since the Red Wings are still in the hunt for a playoff spot in the Eastern Conference.
Larkin struggled to hold back his emotions when asked specifically about Bertuzzi, whom he grew up with on the team.
«He was one of my best friends,» Larkin said. «I'm surprised [about the trades]. The last 24 hours is one of the hardest days [I've had] of the business side of it. Being excited, being happy, talking to Tyler yesterday and [him] being happy for me. [I] saw him this morning and he was upset [about leaving] and I am too.»
Although Larkin admitted that it was a relief to have the contract negotiations behind him, he acknowledged that his focus now is solely on helping Detroit secure a playoff spot. The Red Wings currently sit five points back of the final Eastern wild-card spot, with four teams to overtake to make the playoffs.
«I can continue to focus on what I have to do to try and get this thing where the guys in the room want it to go,» Larkin said. It's clear that Larkin's loyalty and dedication to his team and his former teammates runs deep, making this contract signing a bittersweet experience for the captain.
Do you think the Detroit Red Wings will make the playoffs?
Also read on Hockey Patrol :
Maple Leafs reporter addresses rumours of Mitch Marner's trade list