Dylan Larkin

Lore & Background

Larkin played minor ice hockey with Detroit Belle Tire and participated in the 2009 Quebec International Pee-Wee Hockey Tournament. He skated for USA Hockey's U17 team during the 2012–13 season, recording 13 goals and 14 assists in 55 games. The following season, he played for the NTDP's U18 team, finishing second on the team with 31 goals and fourth with 56 points in 60 games. He was selected for the 2013 CCM/USA Hockey All-American Prospects Game, where he recorded a goal and an assist. Larkin began his collegiate career at the University of Michigan in the 2014–15 season. He led all college hockey freshmen with 14 points in six games during January and was named Hockey Commissioners' Association National Rookie of the Month. He finished the season leading all Big Ten freshmen with 43 points, becoming the first Michigan freshman to reach 40 points since Aaron Palushaj in 2007–08. Larkin signed a three-year, entry-level contract with the Red Wings on May 21, 2015, forgoing his final three seasons of eligibility. He made his NHL debut on October 9, 2015, recording his first career point and goal. He became the first Red Wings teenager to score in his first NHL game since Steve Yzerman in 1983. Larkin was named NHL Rookie of the Month for November 2015. During his rookie season, he recorded 23 goals and 22 assists in 80 games, becoming the sixth rookie in franchise history to lead the team in goals. He was named to the 2016 NHL All-Star Game, where he set the NHL record for fastest skater with a time of 13.172 seconds. After his rookie season, Larkin played both winger and center. He led the Red Wings in scoring during the 2017–18 season with 16 goals and 47 assists. On August 10, 2018, he signed a five-year, $30.5 million contract extension. He was named team captain on January 13, 2021. On December 18, 2021, he recorded his first career hat-trick. Larkin was named to the 2023 NHL All-Star Game, where he helped the Atlantic Division win its first 3-on-3 title, recording five goals and one assist. He signed an eight-year, $69.6 million contract extension on March 1, 2023. In the first year of that contract, he scored a career-high 33 goals and 36 assists through 68 games. After the 2025 trade deadline, Larkin publicly questioned Red Wings management after no major trade occurred.

Reader's Guide

Dylan Larkin's significance to the Detroit Red Wings is rooted in his rapid ascent from a highly touted draft pick to a foundational leader. Selected 15th overall in 2014, he bypassed three years of college eligibility to join the Red Wings immediately, making his NHL debut at age 19 and becoming the first teenager to score in his first game for the franchise since Steve Yzerman in 1983. His rookie season established him as a premier young talent: he led the team in goals, plus-minus, shots on goal, and game-winning goals, and was named to the 2016 NHL All-Star Game, where he set the league record for fastest skater. Larkin's leadership role grew over time; he was named captain on January 13, 2021, and has since been the public face of the franchise. His career-high 33 goals in the 2023–24 season demonstrated his offensive peak, while his eight-year, $69.6 million contract extension in March 2023 signaled the organization's long-term commitment. Larkin's legacy includes being the first Red Wings rookie to play in an All-Star Game since Yzerman in 1984 and the first teenager to score in four consecutive games since Yzerman in 1984–85. His public questioning of management after the 2025 trade deadline highlighted his investment in the team's direction. As captain, Larkin embodies the transition from the Red Wings' past glory to a new era, carrying the weight of a historic franchise while forging his own path.

Did You Know?

• Larkin set the NHL record for fastest skater at the 2016 All-Star Game SuperSkills Competition with a time of 13.172 seconds.
• Larkin was named the Big Ten's Freshman of the Year for the 2014–15 season.
• He recorded his first career hat-trick on December 18, 2021.