2014 NHL Draft: Detroit Red Wings First Round Draft Prospects

Dylan Larkin

Position:C/LW – Current Team: University of Michigan, NCAA  – Date of Birth: July 30, 1996 – Place of Birth: Detroit, Michigan, USA – Height: 6’0″ – Weight: 192 lbs – Shoots: Left

A local boy could be joining the Detroit Red Wings organization if the projections of a new mock draft are correct.

One of the scouting services that provides mock drafts for Red Line Report thinks the Red Wings will use the 15th pick in this month’s NHL draft to select forward Dylan Larkin of Waterford.

Larkin (6-1, 190) spent the last two seasons with the U.S. National Team.

Larkin is a powerful two way forward who can move very well on his skates. He uses his skating ability to work his way around defenders and to move quickly and easily around the ice. When Larkin has the puck he generally keeps the puck and is seen as being  good possession player.

He makes good decisions with the puck, making the right passes, shooting when needing to and he puts in everything on every shift.

He’s got a good shoot but he’s a pass first player, preferring to pass to his linemates than take the shots himself.

Despite not being the biggest forward he can compete along the boards. Instead of delivering bone crunching hits he can peel the puck away from many forwards.

“Larkin has shown he can be an elite-level power forward in addition to showing a high level of offensive ability. His ability to take the puck hard to the net allows for unique scoring chances most players would not be able get because of a lack of size and strength.”-Future Considerations

Larkin’s main problem is that most players don’t think he has the offensive upside compared to other USHL players like Sonny Milano.

Larkin, who turns 18 July 30, has committed to play for the University of Michigan next season.