The Detroit Red Wings have chosen their nominee for the King Clancy Memorial Trophy: Dylan Larkin. This award is given to the player "who best exemplifies leadership qualities on and off the ice and has made a noteworthy humanitarian contribution in his community", per the NHL's official guidelines.
Larkin, a beloved voice in the locker room, was nominated by the Red Wings organization for this award. This is his second King Clancy nomination. His first, awarded in the 2023-24 season, went to Anders Lee of the New York Islanders. Should he earn the most votes samong the selection committee, he will receive a $25,000 donation to use on a charity of his choice. Larkin can also choose to receive a grant to help organize an event related to his humanitarian cause of choice.
The nominee with the most votes will be named the winner of the King Clancy Memorial Trophy and receive a $25,000 donation to benefit a charity or charities of his choice. The winner will also be eligible to elect that his Club receive a grant from the NHL, up to $20,000, to help organize a special activation related to his humanitarian cause.
Larkin's involvement with Special Olympics
Dylan Larkin has supported Special Olympics Michigan since the start of his career. He's been the host of athletes, a major donor and even supplied the team with equipment.
Dylan Larkin is a longtime supporter of Special Olympics Michigan, an involvement that started in the early days of his NHL career. He’s hosted athletes at games, donated to the organization and helped outfit their floor hockey team.
Notably, the Special Olympics World Games… pic.twitter.com/gvHTWvbZYK
His first nomination in 2023-24 came following his support for Special Olympics Michigan. This year, he and Boston Bruins defenseman Charlie McAvoy designed mismatched socks in support of Down Syndrome awareness for the American Special Hockey Association.
Larkin joins fellow forward in award nomination
Larkin isn't the only Red Wings forward to earn an award nomination. Earlier this week, the Professional Hockey Writer's Association nominated forward Dominik Shine for the Bill Masterton Trophy. This award is given to a player that exemplifies sportsmanship, perseverance and leadership. Shine scored his first NHL goal at 32 years of age this season after playing over 521 career AHL games.
It's entirely possible that Shine and Larkin won't be the only players nominated for awards, as well. Moritz Seider's head-turning five-point performance last night should earn him some additional consideration for the Norris Trophy. Seider is the first Red Wing since Nick Lidstrom to put up a 50-assist campaign. His elite defensive numbers, coupled with his 60-point campaign, should earn him at least some serious consideration for a finalist position.