During the pre-game interview, which has become a fan favourite thing done by TNT, Bissonnette asked Larkin if this would be the last season he has a Red Wings jersey on. The timing of the question could not have been worse given that it was just after the pre-game skate, but to his credit, Larkin answered saying, "I hope so but I've got a game in fifteen minutes right now so I'm just excited to be playing in the NHL tonight."
The other members on the panel had brushed off Bissonnette's question and given Larkin the nod that he's free to leave whenever he wanted and the Wings captain took the first opportunity he could to slide on out following the awkward exchange.
Larkin is in the final deal of the 5-year deal he signed in 2018, which has seen him earn $6.1M per season. I don't think there's any question that he is due for a significant raise. He has 33 points in 35 games so far this season and finished with 69 points in 71 games last year, so right around the point per game mark.
That's the problem you face when you have former NHLers with big personalities working on a national broadcast and interviewing other players. Sometimes, lines are crossed without the person even realizing it. In this case, I'm sure someone pointed out to Biz following the segment that that particular moment was not the time or place for a question of that nature. Either way, it made for a cringe-worthy moment and something for all of us to talk about.
POLL | ||
5 JANVIER | 75 ANSWERS Former NHLer asks Wings captain about his future plans just before a game, creating an awkward situation on live broadcast Was Biz wrong to ask Larkin about his future in Detroit immediately before a game? | ||
Yes | 51 | 68 % |
No | 24 | 32 % |
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