Detroit Red Wings captain Dylan Larkin has made quite the impression since his NHL debut on October 9, 2015, when he contributed two points. Since then, he has become a leader on and off the ice and someone a player would model their game after.
After seasons of consistent play, Larkin was named Detroit's 37th captain in franchise history on January 13, 2021.
He led by example and scored some important goals in his short time in the NHL before being named captain. He is the vocal leader the team needs as they turn the corner into playoff hopefuls once again.
Larkin has led the Red Wings on the ice in the stats department for years now. He is set to achieve three milestones this season.
The Detroit Red Wings have a very good player in captain Dylan Larkin
Records and stats may not be vital to some players but we fans like to use these to define a player and see if he fits in the NHL Hall of Fame in the future.
Larkin, who was drafted 15th overall in the 2014 NHL Draft by Detroit, has 14 goals and 19 assists for 33 points in 34 games this season.
Although he has missed some time due to injury, he is proving his worth by contributing in all three zones. For his career, he has 193 goals and 277 assists for 470 points in 618 games.
Larkin is seven goals shy of 200 for his career, 23 assists shy of 300, and 30 points shy of 500. He scored his first two NHL points, a goal and assist, against the Toronto Maple Leafs and goaltender Jonathan Bernier on October 9, 2015.
With the way this Detroit Red Wings roster is constructed, these should be easily attainable for Larkin. He has been consistent in his point production throughout his career, although his main goal is to win a Stanley Cup for the city of Detroit.
Larkin has proven he is a big part of the future for the Detroit Red Wings and will do anything to win. Yes, milestones are a benchmark in a player's career but they ultimately want to win the big one.
While Detroit may be a few years away from being a serious contender, Larkin will continue to produce offensively and do everything he can for Detroit to remain competitive and close the door between Detroit and the elite teams in the Atlantic Division.
He will certainly reach those milestones this season as he has been that good offensively. Larkin is an underappreciated player in this league because he does not play for a Stanley Cup contender.
However, if there is one player to get this franchise back on track and lead them to the promised land it is Larkin.