Detroit Red Wings: Grading The Top Six Forwards

Oct 31, 2015; Ottawa, Ontario, CAN; Detroit Red Wings center Dylan Larkin (71) shoots on Ottawa Senators goalie Craig Anderson (41) in the first period at Canadian Tire Centre. Mandatory Credit: Marc DesRosiers-USA TODAY Sports

Dylan Larkin

Just mention the name Dylan Larkin to any fan of the Detroit Red Wings and expect to get an earful of joyful high-praise. In just 12 games with the Red Wings, Dylan Larkin has completely shattered the mold of your typical Detroit Red Wings’ prospect.

Not since Steve Yzerman has a Red Wings’ rookie been able to crack the lineup and make such a huge impact like Dylan Larkin. Dylan has four goals and five assists on the year through the first 12 games and shows no sign of slowing down or regression. The fact that Larkin was immediately placed on Detroit’s top line with Henrik Zetterberg and Justin Abdelkader speaks volumes in regards to his talent as a hockey player.

Larkin’s team-leading +10 rating places him in the top three for plus/minus rating among all NHL skaters. Larkin’s speed and play-making abilities make him an immediate standout every time he hits the ice to take a shift. He has scored some timely and important goals, most recently two back-to-back game-winning-goals to start the month of November.

It’s going to be extremely fun and exciting to watch Larkin develop and grow as a NHL player. He looks extremely experienced beyond his age on the ice and could possibly make a push for the Calder Trophy at the end of the season.

Overall Grade: A

Next: Gustav Nyquist