It was just about five years ago (January 30, 2016) that Dylan Larkin made history. The fresh faced 19-year-old rookie forward for the Detroit Red WIngs found himself on the cusp of All-Star Competition history. He would score 23 goals that season. He scored a goal in his first game as a Red Wing. The next milestone was in front of the entire league. Larkin broke Mike Gartner’s record by zooming around the ice in 13.172 seconds. You can watch below:
The first of many highlights for Larkin
Larkin’s rookie year was also the last time the Red Wings would make the playoffs. Between his performance that season and showcasing his speed on a national stage, it was certainly a moment where many realized just what type of talent Detroit had on its hands. Larkin broke in that season straight out of the University of Michigan, and as mentioned above, scored in his first game.
From there, he would have his first of two 20-goal seasons (last year he was close with 19). Though the Red Wings would bow out of the first round of the playoffs to Tampa Bay in five games, Larkin would notch his first career playoff goal in game two of the series.
Just three seasons later, Larkin would record his best season statistically, putting up 73 points (32-41) after setting a career high a year prior with 63 points (16-47).
This year ushered in Larkin’s captaincy, continuing a line of strong leaders like Nicklas Lidstrom, Henrik Zetterberg, and the man who chose to give the “C,” Steve Yzerman. Though it was long expected, the move made Larkin the cornerstone of the rebuild and the face of the franchise.
As Detroit continues to rebuild into contention, Larkin remains the critical piece in leading the team forward. From how he conducts himself with the media, to how he leads on the ice, it’s fun to look back at the rookie Red Wing and appreciate all he’s accomplished in just a short time.