Dylan Larkin Couldn’t Have Asked for a Better Start to the Season

After a disappointing campaign during the 2016-17 season, Dylan Larkin is showing he is ready to bounce back.

The end of last season saw an unexpected drop in offensive production from Larkin. After a fantastic rookie season, the 21-year-old fell to 32 points on the year and a -28 plus/minus rating.

Larkin showed some resolve during the 2017 IIHF World Championships with Team USA. He had 10 points in 8 appearances and proved to be one of the top performing players on the roster.

Entering this season Larkin knew he had to make an impression early to kick-start a resurgent season. Thus far, it couldn’t have gone better for the young forward.

In just five games, Larkin is already at six points, which has seen him record a point in every single appearance so far. At this point, he only needs 11 more assists to better his assist tally from last season.

Assists may be the area where Larkin see’s most of his points come from. His linemate Anthony Mantha is off to a good start as well and Larkin has been feeding Mantha in front of goal. The duo is a great compliment to each other’s playing style and both players appear to be destined to set career highs this season.

Additionally, Larkin has been making plays on the penalty kill including an assist on the shorthanded goal that led the Wings to victory against the Arizona Coyotes.

The consistency is there for Larkin to be an impact player once again for the Wings. Although it’s early, Larkin is making plays offensively and defensively left and right. His work rate during these opening games has been impressive to watch and he looks like a mature and transformed player.

Larkin has answered his critics quite quickly and the road ahead looks promising as the Red Wings look to make it back to the Stanley Cup Playoffs. Larkin has a chance to be a huge part of this team’s resurgence and thus far he has answered the call.