Wings’ Larkin true pro at 19
Even before he played his first NHL game, Dylan Larkin kept demonstrating he understood what it would take.
Near the 50-game mark of the season, Larkin has reinforced the high opinion in which he is held by the Detroit Red Wings. He hasn’t gone more than four games without producing points, has led the team in goals for most of the season, has a defensive rating that’s among the best in the league and has been a self-creator.
“He’s had a real impact on our team,” general manager Ken Holland said. “He’s a tremendous young player and talent. He’s got skill and speed, and one of the gifts he’s got is maturity.”
Larkin clanked a puck off a post in Saturday’s 4-3 loss to the Anaheim Ducks, thwarted in his attempt to score. He had just scored his 15th goal the night before, reaching 32 points after 47 games.
This would be impressive from anyone, but Larkin is 19.
“He gets what it means to be a pro,” Holland said. “Playing pro hockey is more than God-given talents. It’s battling through adversity; it’s keep bringing it every day. That is a gift Dylan has.”
Drafted 15th overall in 2014, Larkin spent the next year shining at Michigan, holding his own for the USA in the world championships and starring for Grand Rapids (Mich.) in the American Hockey League playoffs.
“(Then) he went to the gym every day in the summer,” Holland said. “What’s different about Red Wings general manager Ken Holland says of phenom Dylan Larkin, left, “We didn’t know he was going to be one of our most important players.” him from other young players is his will, determination and professionalism. We knew from his résumé he could make a push to be a regular. But we didn’t know he was going to be one of our most important players.”
St. James writes for the Detroit Free Press, part of the USA TODAY NETWORK.
Kevin Allen
As impressive as rookie forwards Artemi Panarin (Chicago Blackhawks) and Dylan Larkin (Detroit Red Wings) were in the first half, they aren’t locks to finish first or second in Calder Trophy balloting.
Last season, Nashville Predators rookie Filip Forsberg was the star of the first half but finished fourth in voting. Florida Panthers defenseman Aaron Ekblad won after building momentum all season. Ottawa Senators forward Mark Stone and Calgary Flames forward Johnny Gaudreau had strong second halves.
Professional Hockey Writers Association members seem to weigh the second half more heavily in rookie balloting. Who could play a key role down the stretch (statistics through Saturday):
Anaheim Ducks goalie John Gibson: He might be the Ducks’ best hope to make the playoffs, as their offense ranks last. Entering Monday, he had a 1.91 goalsagainst average and .923 save percentage and four shutouts in 21 games. If he keeps posting such numbers, he will be impossible for voters to ignore.
Winnipeg Jets goalie Connor Hellebuyck: He was 11-9-1 with a 2.11 goalsagainst average and a .926 save percentage. The Jets’ goalie of the future has arrived.
Arizona Coyotes center Max Domi: He was tied with Larkin for second place (32 points) behind Panarin (45 points). With the Coyotes in playoff contention, he’ll be playing important games.
St. Louis Blues defenseman Colton Parayko: He is the Blues’ best possession defenseman at 54.6%, according to war-onice.com, and leads rookie defensemen with a plus 17 rating.
Buffalo Sabres center Jack Eichel: He has 17 of his 30 points since mid-December. He needs to clean up his minus 13 rating.
Edmonton Oilers center Connor McDavid: He probably won’t play enough games to win over voters. But what if he averages 1.5 points a game after he returns from his collarbone injury after the All-Star break? John Gibson has carried the Ducks.