Headlines from Dylan Larkin’s first season with the Red Wings
By @MichaelCaples –
May 21 marked the one-year anniversary of Waterford native Dylan Larkin officially signing a contract with the Detroit Red Wings, the NHL club that drafted him No. 15 overall in 2014.
After one year with the Michigan Wolverines, Larkin – a Belle Tire and USA Hockey’s National Team Development Program product – decided he was ready for professional hockey, and he signed with his hometown team to forego his final three seasons of NCAA eligibility.
How did the decision turn out for the budding star? Larkin impressed so much during the off-season, training camp and the preseason that he found himself on the Red Wings’ opening-night roster, and he proceeded to lead the team in goals (with 23) as a 19-year-old rookie.
It didn’t take long for Larkin to become a fan favorite in Hockeytown; now, let’s take a look back at the first 365 days of his new job.
Dylan Larkin talks about signing with the Red Wings, first game with Griffins and leaving Ann Arbor
After holding his own at the World Championship with Team USA, Larkin decided it was time to turn pro; the Big Ten’s rookie of the year had 47 points in 35 games with the Wolverines.
Larkin’s two goals lead Griffins to 4-2 win in series-evening Game 2 victory in Utica
The Grand Rapids Griffins dropped Larkin into the line-up in the midst of their AHL playoff run, and he had no problems fitting in. The Wings’ AHL affiliate didn’t win it all in the 2015 postseason, but Larkin’s rookie performance was a highlight – he posted five points in six games.
Dylan Larkin talks about managing expectations and his Hockeytown future
In July, Larkin talked about how he was dealing with his new-found fame and the expectations swirling around him. Red Wings’ GM Ken Holland said that if Larkin could prove himself as a top-six forward, he would be with Detroit, but it seemed more likely that he would start the season in Grand Rapids.
Dylan Larkin is ready for his first Red Wings training camp
With new coach Jeff Blashill ready to lead the Red Wings, Larkin settled into his first training camp with Detroit, ready to prove his worth. A video from the first day of camp showed him flying past captain Henrik Zetterberg; a sign of things to come.
Larkin dazzles, Franzen makes preseason debut in Wings’ 6-1 win over Penguins
With three goals and an assist in five preseason appearances, Larkin was garnering all kinds of headlines in September.
Dylan Larkin talks about making the Red Wings’ roster
On Oct. 5, Larkin told MiHockey about his meeting with Blashill and Holland – one that informed the rookie forward that he would be in the line-up for the Red Wings’ home opener against Toronto.
Dylan Larkin: “I couldn’t have it any better”
Scoring in your first NHL game with all your family and friends sitting in the stands at Joe Louis Arena? Dream come true, safe to say, for the 19-year-old phenom.
Report: Dylan Larkin to stay with the Red Wings
It almost wasn’t necessary to report on, but ESPN confirmed that Larkin would be staying with the Red Wings on Oct. 27 – a decision that Larkin impressed in the nine-game window that prospects are afforded before teams send them down to delay paying them the big bucks.
Dylan Larkin named NHL’s rookie of the month for November
Rookie of the Month award? Only took until the second month of the NHL season – Larkin racked up seven goals and three assists in the timeframe.
NHL All-Star Game rosters announced; Larkin representing Red Wings
If not for the John Scott drama, Larkin may have been the biggest news of the All-Star Game roster announcement; he was the only teenager selected for the event, and only one of two rookies (accompanied by fellow NTDP alum John Gibson; a goaltender three years older than Larkin).
Larkin second in Calder Trophy race per NHL.com halfway mark trophy tracker
He didn’t end up being a finalist for the award, but the wild first half of his rookie campaign merited major recognition from the league.
PHOTOS: NTDP U17 Team vs. Muskegon (Dylan Larkin Night)
His junior team held “Dylan Larkin Night” in Plymouth, as the NTDP welcomed back their hometown star for a ceremonial puck drop and other festivities. It was one of many celebrity-like moments for the young star.
PHOTOS: The ‘BAUER Experience of a Lifetime’ at Joe Louis Arena
The most memorable moment from the ‘BAUER Experience of a Lifetime’ event at The Joe? Larkin sneaking onto the ice early to photobomb a team picture for a local girls’ team – one of numerous moments where the Waterford native showed his humility and understanding for his new role in Hockeytown.
VIDEO: Larkin breaks record in fastest skater event at NHL Skills Competition
New speed record at the All-Star Game? Check. Don’t forget, he almost slipped around one of the turns – and he still broke the record.
Larkin’s ‘snip show’ viral video a reminder to watch what you post online
“D-Boss” is something he won’t live down for a while, but Larkin’s viral video ‘situation’ wasn’t anything more than a laughing matter.
Larkin, Hellebuyck named to Team North America roster for World Cup of Hockey
Larkin was one of a few Michigan natives to make the early selection list for the upcoming World Cup of Hockey, which will take place this summer. He, along with Commerce native Connor Hellebuyck, will be on the ‘North America’ roster – an all-star team of the best 23-and-under players from the U.S. and Canada.
Flyers’ GM Paul Holmgren says he wants to kidnap Dylan Larkin
In one of the more humorous stories from the 2015-16 season, Flyers’ GM Paul Holmgren tried to give some praise to Larkin, but it came out kind of awkward.
Larkin, Glendening, Datsyuk, Marchenko, Pulkkinen and Jurco to participate in World Championship
Another year, another World Championship appearance – Larkin finished tied for the U.S. scoring lead with Auston Matthews at the tournament.
Dylan Larkin to serve as Chevrolet Detroit Belle Isle Grand Prix Grand Marshal
The latest on the ‘What’s Dylan Larkin doing now?’ celebrity watch list.