Dylan Larkin

Verified Timeline

Lore & Background

Larkin's journey began in Ann Arbor with USA Hockey's National Team Development Program, where he skated for the U17 team in 2012–13 before moving to the U18 squad. In his second NTDP season, he finished second on the team with 31 goals and fourth with 56 points in 60 games, leading to a selection in the 2013 CCM/USA Hockey All-American Prospects Game. Drafted 15th overall despite being ranked 17th by NHL Central Scouting, Larkin left after his freshman season at Michigan, forgoing three remaining college years to sign a three-year entry-level contract on May 21, 2015. He immediately joined the Grand Rapids Griffins, scoring his first professional goal against Jacob Markström in just his second game. On October 9, 2015, he made his NHL debut, becoming the first Red Wings teenager to score in his first game since Steve Yzerman in 1983.

In Their Own Story

Larkin's rookie season was defined by historic milestones and relentless production. Leading all rookies with seven goals in November 2015, he earned Rookie of the Month honors and finished the year with 23 goals and 22 assists in 80 games, becoming the first Red Wings teenager to lead the team in goals since Mike Foligno in 1979–80. His speed became legendary at the 2016 NHL All-Star Game SuperSkills Competition, where he set an NHL record with a fastest skater time of 13.172 seconds, breaking Mike Gartner's long-standing mark. By January 13, 2021, Larkin was named team captain. He recorded his first career hat-trick on December 18, 2021, and later helped the Atlantic Division win its first 3-on-3 title at the 2023 All-Star Game with a tournament-leading five goals. After signing an eight-year extension on March 1, 2023, he reached a career-high 33 goals in the first year of that deal before suffering an injury requiring offseason surgery.

Reader's Guide

Larkin plays center and serves as the team captain for the Detroit Red Wings. He was originally drafted in 2014 and signed his entry-level contract in May 2015. His professional debut occurred on October 9, 2015, against the Toronto Maple Leafs. Key career moments include winning Rookie of the Month in November 2015, setting the fastest skater record at the 2016 All-Star Game, and being named captain in January 2021. His international resume includes gold at the 2014 World U18s and bronze at the 2013 U-17 Challenge and 2015 World Championship. On June 4, 2026, reports surfaced that Larkin requested a trade from the Red Wings following the 2025 trade deadline.

Did You Know?

• Larkin set the NHL record for fastest skater at the 2016 All-Star Game with a time of 13.172 seconds.
• He became the first Red Wings teenager to score in his debut game since Steve Yzerman in 1983.
• During November 2015, Larkin notched seven goals (second among rookies that month behind Artemi Panarin's eight) and posted a strong plus-minus rating, though he did not lead all rookies in that category.
• At the 2023 All-Star Game, he recorded five goals and one assist to help win the Atlantic Division's first 3-on-3 title.