At 26-years-old, he's still young enough to be an impact player for the better part of a decade, and the Detroit Red Wings are thus committed to signing him for max-term.
The AAV, however, might be a little too much for GM Steve Yzerman. Reports indicate that Larkin is looking for $9-million annually on his new deal. While he is a great player, this would put him among the ranks of the highest-paid players in the league.
Yzerman is known for building a core on budget deals, just as he did in Tampa Bay. The Lightning have made it to three straight cup finals, so his methods must have worked.