The Detroit Red Wings have named Dylan Larkin their captain. The team introduced Larkin as captain on January 13th, just a day before their first game of the season.
It’s official.
Dylan Larkin has been named the 37th captain in Detroit Red Wings franchise history. #LGRW pic.twitter.com/l05lknUP6B
— Detroit Red Wings (@DetroitRedWings) January 13, 2021
Why the Detroit Red Wings Chose Dylan Larkin for Captain
It should be no surprise to Red Wings fans that Larkin was made captain. The team’s top-line center has been their best player for years. In 389 games with the Red Wings, the captain has amassed 266 points. He was the first player in over a decade to score 30 goals for the Red Wings in the 2018-19 season. He has consistently shown prowess on both ends of the ice as both a mentor and a player. Last season Larkin nearly topped the 20-goal mark for the third time in his career, scoring 19 goals and 53 points in 71 games. He will look to build upon the tough lessons of last season as the team’s leader for the foreseeable future.
Dylan Larkin currently holds the NHL All-Star’s fastest skating record. The Waterford, Michigan native will be the 37th captain in franchise history. He spent his first two seasons learning directly from the previous captain, Henrik Zetterberg. Larkin expressed his excitement when former captain Steve Yzerman was hired as general manager, hoping to learn directly under one of the team’s most prolific players. In a way, Larkin’s captaincy was almost written in the stars.
Dylan Larkin’s Role This Season
This year, it’s up to Larkin to lead the team in the right direction. While the team is nowhere near close to contention, Larkin’s leadership should serve as an excellent rallying point. The coming years will show his true potential. As the rebuild commences, the Red Wings will slowly add more and more talent to the roster. It wouldn’t be a stretch to see him regularly top 80 points in a season; in fact, he may one day even have potential to earn the Frank J. Selke trophy as the league’s best two-way forward.
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