Dylan Larkin Top 30 NHL Draft Prospect
How are you guys enjoying game number 2 of the Stanley Cup Final? Man playoff hockey is the best is it not? However for all you fans who don’t have teams playing and battling hard right now, the draft is quickly approaching and today we have another profile for you to look at. Today we’re taking a look at Dylan Larkin from the United States Development league.
As the years go on, the United States Development league is pumping out more and more talent and is a huge reason why team USA has been so much better at the World Juniors. They are finally putting effort into their young, talented players and Dylan Larkin is no exception.
Larkin laced up for 86 games this season between the USHL and the USDP and recorded 82 points, including 56 points in 60 games with the USDP. He also played for the USA at the World Juniors where he recorded 4 points in 6 games. Overall he had a solid season and really made a name for himself. He’s committed to the University of Michigan for the next few years but any NHL team that can land him will gladly wait for this talent.
What Will A Team Get If They Draft Him?
He’s probably one of the best skaters we’ve had come through in a long time but he’s also diligent; he’s interested in his defensive zone. He wants to be a Steve Yzerman-type player.
For the team that drafts Dylan Larkin in June the most difficult part will be waiting until he’s eligible after his NCAA career. Larkin is already a pro player. He carries himself, plays like and acts like a NHL player both on and off the ice. Unlike most prospects available in this draft, his defencive game is sound and has the potential to be a power forward despite his lack of size.
He’s got the skating, passing shooting, drive, grit and vision to become a successful NHL player in the not too distant future. He has tremendous hockey sense and brings whatever he can to the table in order to help his team win. He’s truly a guy you want in to put in your line-up tomorrow. With the NCAA bias that can often be seen in the NHL draft, Larkin is bound to be a steal in June if he goes any later 16th. His skating is almost unmatched in this years draft and he truly utilizes his speed to play a 200 foot game.
Just how good is Larkin? He was drafted by both the Erie Otters of the CHL and a team in the KHL. That’s 3 different leagues wanting to get their hands on this kid.
His Underrated skill
For Larkin his underrated skill has to be his play making ability. He’s regarded as a possible power forward/two-way forward because of his attention and dedication to defence. However, his offence is not to be forgotten about. He’s got exceptional hockey IQ, quickness and agility which makes him very dangerous in the opponents zone. He has the ability and the hands to set up some dazzling scoring chances should he choose.
What Needs To Be Worked On?
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There really isn’t much that Dylan Larkin needs to work on and I know that tough to say for a guy who could go late in the first round, however he could literally join the Los Angeles Kings tomorrow. His defence is on tap, his offence is stellar and his skating is quite exceptional. Not sure what he needs to or wants to work on at the University of Michigan, however he’ll be a solid NHL player if he chooses.
Although he doesn’t have the stature to be a typical power forward in the NHL (6 feet), he doesn’t really need to bulk up that much tipping the scales at 190 pounds. Over the last few years the USDP have turned Larkin into the complete package and NHL ready forward. If truth be told, other than his choice for the NCAA, Dylan Larkin could be a top 10 draft pick.