It's clear to see that Dylan Larkin's time as a captain and a Detroit Red Wing is coming to an end. Most, if not all, Red Wings fans are on the same page when it comes to naming a new captain. Moritz Seider is by far the heavy favorite to wear the C for the Wings, and there is not much debate about it.
Red Wings legend Darren McCarty also said Seider should be wearing the C for the Wings once Larkin moves on. "Who else is in contention?" McCarty asked on a Woodward Wings livestream on Tuesday, June 9. "If you ask Lucas (Raymond), he'd say Mo," McCarty continued.
Naming Seider captain would also come with one of the Red Wings' alternate spots vacated, so now the question becomes who is wearing the second A for the Red Wings next season?
Alex DeBrincat could solve a problem, if he's still here
The obvious and simplest answer is Alex DeBrincat. He has been one of, if not the best, forwards for the Red Wings for a good chunk of his tenure. DeBrincat is a great player for the Wings as a major offensive threat, scoring 40 goals in the 2025-26 season. Beyond the offense, he is tenacious and plays a physical game.
But let's assume that Larkin's trade request is the first domino to fall this offseason. DeBrincat, who is entering the last year of his contract, may be out the door soon as well.
If there is no DeBrincat for the Red Wings next season, then the options to wear the A for the Wings become very limited. But there is one option that makes a lot of sense for the Red Wings, although some fans may not like it.
Ben Chiarot should be a part of the Red Wings leadership group once Larkin moves on
Ben Chiarot has worn the A for the Red Wings in the 2022-23 season, so, it makes sense to stick it back on him and let his veteran presence help lead a locker room full of young players.
Past that, though, Chiarot has been everything that the Wings needed him to be. He blocks shots, he lays big hits, and he'll even chip in on some big-time goals here and there. He has also taken a lot of responsibility this season. The young defenders the Wings called up this season, Axel Sandin-Pellikka, Albert Johansson, and Simon Edvinsson, were stuck on a pairing with Chiarot. Even Seider had Chiarot as a partner and grew and developed under his leadership.
Red Wings Head Coach Todd McLellan is no fool, and he stuck those young guys with Chiarot for a reason. The reason is that Chiarot is a reliable professional defenseman in the NHL. He can take these young players under his wing, and offer them guidance to navigate through a grinding NHL season.
Chiarot took on this responsibility and did it with a smile. It's time to reward the veteran defenseman by giving him a letter because he has more than earned it.
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