For the first time in 46 years, the United States men's hockey team won the gold medal, and did so by finally defeating Canada. While the celebration continues, there is going to be the question as to whether the United States can put together a roster that can once again win a gold medal in 2030 in France.
ESPN's Greg Wyshynski published an article predicting what the United States' men's ice hockey roster could look like for the 2030 Winter Olympics. Unsurprisingly, Detroit Red Wings captain Dylan Larkin was listed as a "lock" to make the roster.
"The Red Wings center followed up his outstanding 4 Nations tournament with an Olympic run filled with huge moments," writes Wyshynski. "Eichel, Matthews and Larkin gave the Americans some of their best center depth ever on a national team, and they could run the trio back in 2030."
ESPN has Dylan Larkin as a 'lock' to make Team USA roster for 2030 Winter Olympics
Larkin shined during this run in the Olympics. In the quarterfinal round against Sweden, Larkin gave the United States an early 1-0 lead on a redirected shot from Jack Hughes. Team USA won that game 2-1 on an overtime goal from Quinn Hughes. In the following round, Larkin scored a goal in the team's 6-2 blowout victory over Slovakia. Overall, he had two goals and one assist in six games for Team USA.
Larkin will be 33 years old by the next time the 2030 Winter Olympics roll around, and as Wyshynski mentions, he does make up for a solid center group alongside Auston Matthews and Jack Eichel. Considering how well he played, putting Larkin as a roster lock makes sense.
But now, with the Olympics over, the focus will be on the remainder of the Red Wings' season (once Larkin is done celebrating his gold medal). The Red Wings are firmly in the hunt for one of the top htree playoff spots in the Atlantic Division. Through 58 games this season, the Red Wings are 33-19-6 with 72 points to their credit. They will have to keep up the pace, especially with the Buffalo Sabres and Boston Bruins up to three points behind them. There is very little room for error during their 24-game stretch.
The Red Wings officially return on Thursday when they take on the Ottawa Senators. The team expects that Larkin will be ready to play in that game.