The Detroit Red Wings announced that captain Dylan Larkin is out for tonight’s game against the Dallas Stars with an upper-body injury.
Coach Blashill says Dylan Larkin (upper body) is out tonight.
Will have further tests done tomorrow with more info to come Saturday. #RedWings
— Detroit Red Wings (@DetroitRedWings) April 22, 2021
Dylan Larkin Injured
Larkin was injured late in the third period during Tuesday’s 5-2 loss to the Stars. His injury was initially undisclosed by the team. According to head coach Jeff Blashill, the Red Wings are performing tests and will have more information available this Saturday.
The Wings captain currently leads the Red Wings in points with 23 in 44 games. He’s scored nine goals and 14 assists to go along with 34 penalty minutes. His possession numbers were 53.1 percent Corsi and a relative Corsi of 9.3.
Larkin has played his entire six-year NHL career for the Red Wings. He has 116 goals and 171 assists for 287 career points in 433 career games. The Waterford Township, Mich native was originally drafted by Detroit in the first round, 15th overall in the 2014 NHL Draft.
What This Means for the Future
Injuries have plagued the Red Wings as of late. With Tyler Bertuzzi and Frans Nielsen ruled out for the season, Larkin’s injury couldn’t come at a worse time. The Red Wings will be sorely missing their top-line centre and one of their best scorers. Michael Rasmussen, who has played very well as of late, will likely suit up as the team’s top-line centre.
Larkin’s injury opens up new possibilities for younger players. Joe Veleno ould suit up as a top-six forward. He’s been spending time on the team’s taxi squad. If Larkin is out longer than expected, Veleno could see a large chunk of ice time headed his way. No matter what happens, the Red Wings will need Larkin back as soon as possible. The team stands to lose a lot of their firepower with his injury.