Dylan Larkin, the homegrown talent of the Detroit Red Wings, is ready to lead his team to success. Born and raised in the Detroit area, Larkin has deep roots in the city. He was drafted by the Red Wings in 2014 and has been a part of the organization ever since. Larkin’s number, 71, is a tribute to his childhood idol, forward Doug Brown, who wore the number 17 during his time with the Red Wings. Larkin played with Brown’s son, Christopher, growing up, making the number switch even more meaningful.
On January 13, 2021, Larkin was named the captain of the Red Wings, solidifying his role as the team’s leader. He recently signed an eight-year, $69.6 million contract, showing his commitment to the team and his desire to stay in Detroit. Larkin expressed his dedication, saying, “I really didn’t want to go anywhere else. I wanted to have that [contract]. Now it’s about keeping that and living up to the contract for the next eight years.”
Larkin is not alone in his love for the city. The Red Wings have added several players with local ties to their roster, including defenseman Jeff Petry, center J.T. Compher, and forward Alex DeBrincat. Larkin played with Compher and Petry in college, and he and Petry are even neighbors in suburban Detroit. The team’s connections to the area are undeniable, and their shared passion for the city is evident.
Playing at home has its advantages and disadvantages. Larkin acknowledges that there are more demands and distractions when playing in front of family and friends. However, he has learned to prioritize his responsibilities as a professional athlete and has had to say no to certain invitations in order to focus on his career. Larkin’s dedication to his job and his commitment to his team are unwavering.
General manager Steve Yzerman has made it clear that he wants good players on the Red Wings, regardless of where they come from. However, having players with local ties is an added bonus. The team’s depth chart now boasts more skill and depth, with the addition of players like James Reimer, Shane Gostisbehere, and Justin Holl. Larkin is excited about the team’s improved back end and believes it will make a significant difference on the ice.
Larkin is cautiously optimistic about the upcoming season. While the team has made progress in recent years, they still face tough competition in the Atlantic Division. Larkin believes that staying healthy, finding chemistry as a team, and avoiding long losing streaks will be crucial to their success.
As a true Detroit native, Larkin is determined to bring the Red Wings back to their former glory. With a team full of local talent and a renewed sense of optimism, the Red Wings are ready to make their mark in the NHL once again.
Original Story at www.nhl.com – 2023-09-13 22:09:48
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