Drafted in the first round (15th overall) in 2014 the Waterford, Michigan native continues to be one of the top forwards for Detroit in his rookie season. He is only 19 years old and has became one of the most exciting player to watch on the ice.
While playing a year in University Michigan, Dylan Larkin played 35 games had 15 goals, 32 assist giving him 47 points. He then made it to the Team USA in the world juniors. He played beside Jack Eichel who was drafted first round (2nd overall) last years draft. Larkin played great with 5 goal and two assists. Team USA won bronze trophy in the tournament behind Russia and Canada. Bouncing around some more he went to Red Wings AHL team The Grand Rapids Griffins. He went to there because he was to young to call up right away. He played 6 games, scored 3 times and got 2 assists.
As the hockey season was getting closer, pre season began. Larkin scored 3 goals and got an assist. He had a great pre season but all he was wanting was to make it to the Wings roster. The decision was up to new coach Jeff Blashill. On opening night against their old coach Mike Babcock, Dylan Larkin would play on the first line and Larkin proved it was the best decision.
On his first career NHL game he scored his first career goal and got an assist helping the Red wings win 4-0 on opening night. After the game Larkin told fox news that is surprising that he’s here. “I think it’s a bonus. Just playing in general is great. I didn’t really expect to make the team, so it’s been a huge bonus. Playing with Hank everyday and learning from him has been an invaluable experience that I will probably carry with me for the rest of my career.”
As the season goes on he has 14 goals, 16 assists and a 23 plus minus. Even better, he is in the top two for the Calder trophy which is given to the rookie of the year. The only player in front of him is Artemi Panarin. The last time wings won Calder Trophy was the 1955-1956 season were goaltender Glenn Hall won it at 23.
In the end of January, the NHL gets a mid-season break. During the break the All Star Game is held. Only the best players play during the game. Dylan Larkin was the only Red Wing to make it to the All Star game. He is also 1 of only 2 rookies that will play in the game. Larkin told the Detroit Free Press that he was excited to be in the All Star game. “Still can’t really believe it, but it’s a great honor. To be able to represent Detroit at an NHL event is going to be awesome.” Dylan Larkin is young. He is known for his speed and durability however, he and can always improve and will. The way he is going, he’s going to be not only an all-star but a legend to the NHL and to the Red Wings.
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