Detroit Red Wings: Larkin’s Quest towards becoming a Franchise Player

Dylan Larkin is off to a terrific start this season but tonight will serve as a big test for the Detroit Red Wings number one center.

He became the face of the franchise the second Henrik Zetterberg announced he wouldn’t be able to continue his career.  Last season Dylan Larkin was quietly playing like the Detroit Red Wings top forward but remained in the shadows of his mentor.  Z had an excellent season last year and was definitely the Wings most “dependable” player, but he was only a shell of what he once was.

Larks has taken a tremendous step forward to start the season this year, and he has shown no signs of slowing down.  The kid from Waterford, MI is delivering the mail in a big way, over a point a game thus far.  He leads the Detroit Red Wings with 6 goals and 14 points.

He is playing just a touch shy of 21 minutes a night.  20:50 TOI per game.  Against the Columbus Blue Jackets, he played nearly 24 minutes.  Jeff Blashill is leaning on Larkin every chance he gets.  As a matter of fact, Fox Sports Detroit had a cool “mic’d up” feature during the telecast against the New Jersey Devils.  During this unique behind the scenes look, Larkin, arrived at the bench at the conclusion of his shift and before he fully sat down, Jeff Blashill barked out “Larks get ready.”

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For the first time in his career at the NHL level, the franchise sways in the balance of Dylan Larkin.  The team will sink or swim with the play of their best player.  Is Dylan Larkin a “franchise” player?

I think Dylan Larkin is an outstanding player but has yet to command the title “franchise” yet.  Remember the kid is still just 22 years old.  You think this kid is good now?  Just wait two or three more years.  He is still growing and learning; he is about to lift off into his prime.  He has already shown the ability to play in all ends of the ice; he plays on the power play he plays on the penalty kill.  He has very good speed and creativity.  He has shown the ability to score much more frequently this season.  At this early season pace, Larkin is eyeing 34 goals and 49 assists on the season.

He has played head to head against some top-notch players this year and held his own.  Anze Kopitar is one of the most underrated star forwards in the NHL.  If not for a couple of blunder plays by goaltender Jonathan Bernier the Detroit Red Wings would have won that game in LA.

Larkin was able to outduel Taylor Hall and company two nights ago in Detroit.  Although Hall doesn’t play center and match-up head to head with Larkin, he remains a threat.  Larks and the Wings have seen Artemi Panarin twice and split wins against the Blue Jackets. We Ryan Getzlaf when we played the Ducks out in California.  Getzlaf was out with an injury.  That would have been a good test for Larkin.  Getzlaf is not nearly as fleet of foot as Dylan but could overpower him with his physical ability.  It would have been nice to them play head to head.

Tonight though will be a great visual test.  I know we want to keep this little winning streak alive, but the game within the game will be fascinating to watch.  Larkin head to head with Connor McDavid.  In 12 games this year McDavid has recorded 19 points, 9 goals, and 10 assists.  He is also a plus 4 on the young season.

McDavid is only 21 years old and one of the top ten players in the NHL.  He has terrific speed; he can create on the fly, he has a tremendous skill set that he often displays at top speed.  He has the ability to snipe from anywhere in the offensive zone if there are no lanes available to make a crafty pass he looks to drive it on the net.

If Dylan Larkin can hang with McDavid tonight, even if the Wings fall short it could give us a glimpse of what is to come in the future.  Look for Dylan Larkin to go toe to toe with one of the best as he continues his quest to become the Detroit Red Wings franchise player.