Dylan Larkin is making strides for the Detroit Red Wings

The Detroit Red Wings bestowed the captaincy onto Dylan Larkin before the 2020-21 season. It was the big move waiting to be done and last year was his first year as the team’s leader. He’s in year two at 25 years old and looks like he’s starting to make some strides.

Do not get it twisted; the Detroit Red Wings captain can be a hothead at times, but it’s that energy that seems to put a fire underneath teammates at times. It goes over the line at times, but Larkin has done an excellent job at filtering this aggression and keeping things about the team’s success.

But as the 2021-22 season continues, Larkin has looked even more like a leader. He is showing these younger forwards the ropes and finding ways to get back on the scoresheet in the process.

He’s performed at a point-per-game clip after his hat trick against the New Jersey Devils. It’s great to see the captain finding this scoring touch and being able to tap into it.

It has been a much more productive season, whether it’s product Larkin or any of the other Red Wings forwards. Larkin making strides as a leader and performing better on the ice only helps this team as they start pushing out of the rebuild.

Detroit Red Wings Dylan Larkin is making strides in year two as captain.

So far in 2021-22, Larkin has logged 27 games where he has 15 goals and 14 assists for 29 points for the Red Wings. It’s been impressive to see Larkin finding ways to get it done. His breakaway goal against the Carolina Hurricanes from Thursday’s matchup was certainly remarkable.

Raymond’s pass on the play showed great hockey-IQ to flip the puck up there as Larkin catches it and then goes in to score on Frederik Andersen. It seems like Larkin has really been able to put up some offense and capitalize on his scoring chances.

Seeing Larkin make strides as a leader is a massive benefit for the Red Wings as they look to come out of this rebuild. Whether Larkin is likely more of a second-line center or second-best option or not, he’s going to remain on the team’s top line until someone else beats him out.

He’ll be the team’s go-to center and continue to grow into his leadership role as the seasons go by. The Red Wings got a good one with the hometown kid, and it’s just terrific to see him starting to make strides for the team on and off the ice as a player and a leader.

Hats off to Steve Yzerman once again; the team he is building and the decisions he has been making are impeccable.