With training camp getting closer, the Dylan Larkin situation in Detroit looks a lot less dramatic than it did not long ago. Even with the Red Wings still without a general manager and Simon Edvinsson still unsigned, a holdout from Larkin is now looking unlikely.
That matters because the longer this drags on, the less a holdout really helps anyone. It wouldn’t do much for Larkin’s trade value, and there’s no reason to think he’d want to sit out and give up salary just to make a point. For now, the likeliest outcome is that he’s in the lineup when the puck drops.
If he does come back, it may not be a warm welcome from everyone. Some Red Wings fans are expected to let him hear it, and that’s something he’d probably have to deal with.
In Washington, the focus is on getting ahead of contract business before the season starts. The Capitals are talking with Ryan Leonard and Justin Sourdif, two young forwards who are both pending restricted free agents.
Capitals GM Chris Patrick said Tuesday that discussions are already underway with Leonard.
“Yeah, we’ve had some discussions this summer. I’m hopeful we can continue to have some discussions here.
That’s not something that I want to let play out. I’d rather get something done if we can, if it makes sense for both sides, because I do think what happened this past summer is definitely potentially a harbinger of things to come in the League.
So, I’d like to have something done sooner than later with him if it works for their side.”
Patrick said he’s not certain a deal will be finished before the season begins, but he wants it done if possible.
Sourdif is in the same boat. He’s also extension eligible, and talks have started there as well.
In Other News...
Nic Dowds Impact On Washington Just Got Even More Meaningful
Nic Dowds value to the Capitals has always gone beyond the faceoff circle and the penalty kill, but this latest off-ice effort gives his local impact a deeper meaning. Through Dowds Crowd, Dowd and his wife Paige have built a way for children with autism spectrum disorder and sensory processing needs to experience live hockey in a setting that feels more welcoming, and that mission has now turned into real support for the community around Capital One Arena.
The $30,000 raised by the group has been donated to KultureCity and So Kids SOAR, two local organizations that focus on sensory accommodations and adaptive sports programming. The money will help fund a new sensory room and sensory bags at Capital One Arena, while also supporting adaptive sports opportunities for children with disabilities, making Dowds outreach feel like a lasting part of the Capitals presence in Washington. [Read more 🡒]
Capitals Face Early Pressure To Protect Two Young Pieces
The Capitals are already feeling the ripple effects of an offseason that reshaped their roster and cap picture, and now the front office is moving to secure two young pieces before anything gets messy. Restricted free agents Ryan Leonard and Justin Sourdif are both in extension discussions with Washington as the club tries to keep control of its own talent while avoiding unnecessary drama on the market.
General manager Chris Patrick confirmed talks are underway and made it clear the team would like to wrap things up soon. For a team still balancing its long-term build with the realities of the salary cap, getting ahead of the situation matters, especially with young players who are part of the organizations next wave. [Read more 🡒]