Was Red Wings' Larkin Robbed of All-Star Appearance?
Detroit Red Wings captain Dylan Larkin has been everything and more for the franchise since his NHL debut. He has played extremely well offensively and defensively as he continues to move this team forward. Yet, despite his offensive numbers and all-around play, he will not be participating in this season's NHL All-Star game in Toronto, Ontario, Canada.
Red Wings Larkin has case for not being selected
The 2024 NHL All-Star game will be taking place at the Scotiabank Arena in Toronto, Ontario, Canada from February 1-3, 2024. Larkin previously appeared in three all-star games (2016, 2022, 2023). He has a case for questioning why he is not there, looking around at some players who were selected who had lower offensive production.
The one big reason Larkin may not have been selected as the NHL rule is that every team is to have a representative at the event, with at least one player being selected. The Red Wings lone selection is winger Alex Debrincat, who leads Detroit in points. With the rosters now set, Larkin is one of those players not making the trip to Canada.
This season, Larkin has 17 goals and 21 assists for 38 points in 37 games. His offensive production is higher than four players that were selected and will be making the trip. Washington Capitals forward Tom Wilson (11-8-19 in 40 games), Anaheim Ducks forward Frank Vatrano (21-10-31 in 42), Calgary Flames forward Elias Lindholm (8-20-28 in 43), and Montreal Canadians forward, and captain, Nick Suzuki (12-23-35 in 42) were all voted in despite having lower point totals than Larkin.
Was this a case of him being snubbed or did Larkin not get noticed because of the Red Wings recent slide? Larkin outperformed the above players in point production and would have make a great choice for the all-star game, considering how he has done at past all-star games. Some fans around the league could make the same case for a player on their team not voted in. However, Larkin was destined to make it, maybe even participating in the skills competition as he won the fastest skater competition in 2016 at the Bridgestone Arena on Nashville, Tennessee.
Larkin will instead take this time off to heal any bumps and bruises he may have from the first half to get his mind right and be ready for a grueling second half of the season. His Detroit Red Wings have some work to do as they are currently fighting for a playoff spot in the Atlantic Division. Detroit has a record of 21-16-5 for 47 points and are 5th in the division. Detroit is sitting two points out of a wild card spot as the Tampa Bay Lightning are sitting atop that chase with a 22-17-5 record and 49 points. The Red Wings have 40 games left in the season, while Tampa Bay has 38.