Red Wings Need to Break Through With Dylan Larkin Still in His Prime

Dylan Larkin, Detroit Red Wings (Amy Irvin / The Hockey Writers)

Through it all, he produced. Over the past five seasons, Larkin has hovered around point-per-game territory, proving himself not just as a two-way workhorse but as a legitimate offensive driver. He isn’t flashy in the Connor McDavid or Nathan MacKinnon mould, but his blend of speed, compete level, and playmaking makes him the kind of player who can tilt the ice.

But prime years don’t last forever, and Larkin knows it. The next three to five seasons are when he’ll either lead Detroit into contention or risk seeing his peak years wasted.

Red Wings’ Supporting Cast Finally Arrives

For most of his career, Larkin’s biggest challenge has been the lack of a supporting cast. Sure, there were flashes, Anthony Mantha, Andreas Athanasiou, Tyler Bertuzzi, but nothing sustainable, nothing resembling the depth of a true contender.

That’s changed.

Lucas Raymond has emerged as a bona fide top-line winger, growing into the kind of dynamic scorer that complements Larkin’s speed perfectly. Moritz Seider is anchoring the blue line with a maturity beyond his years, giving Detroit the kind of defensive cornerstone they haven’t had since Nick Lidström. Add in players like Alex DeBrincat, J.T. Compher, and Marco Kasper developing into real contributors, and suddenly the captain isn’t carrying this burden alone.

For the first time since he took over as the face of the franchise, Larkin has the horses around him to chase more than just moral victories.

Yzerman’s Patience Meets Larkin’s Window

General manager Steve Yzerman’s rebuild has been defined by patience. No shortcuts. No reckless splashes to appease fans. Instead, he’s managed a methodical stockpiling of prospects, draft picks, and strategic free-agent signings.

But timing is everything. And right now, the timing feels right. The 2025 offseason saw Detroit add depth, balance, and experience – moves that didn’t just aim for the future, but also addressed the present. With the Atlantic Division as competitive as it’s ever been, Yzerman knows he doesn’t have forever. His captain is ready.

The “Yzerplan” has always been about building a contender that lasts, not one that flashes and fades. But that plan now intersects with Larkin’s prime. If the two align, the Red Wings could be staring at their best chance to contend since the late 2000s.

Larkin’s Leadership Beyond the Stat Sheet

What makes this window even more important is the way Larkin leads. He’s not just the captain because he produces. He’s the captain because he embodies Detroit. A hometown kid from Waterford, a player who lived through the darkest days of the rebuild, and someone who never once asked out or demanded more, he chose to be the anchor through the storm.

Now, with a team on the rise, his leadership carries more weight. Young players like Raymond, Seider, and Kasper look to him not just for plays on the ice, but for how to carry themselves as Red Wings. His example could be the difference between Detroit becoming a playoff regular or something more.

Larkin’s Moment is Now

Larkin doesn’t have to be the best player in the NHL to win. He does, however, need to maximize these years when his legs, skill, and leadership are all at their peak. The Red Wings have the pieces, the coach, and the front office to give him the stage he’s been waiting for.

The question is no longer whether Dylan Larkin is good enough to lead a contender; he is. The question is whether Detroit can match his prime years with a roster built to win. Because for the first time in years, the captain’s clock isn’t just ticking. It’s perfectly in sync with the future of Hockeytown.