Red Wings Prospect Dylan Larkin Might Not Be Returning to Michigan

Dylan Larkin is one of the top prospects in the Detroit Red Wings system. The 18 year old just finished his first season with the Michigan Wolverines, where he won the Big Ten freshman of the year when he scored 47 points in his first 35 career college games. However, he might not be returning to Michigan and he could officially sign with the Red Wings.

The 15th overall pick from 2014 was long thought to be returning to the Wolverines for his sophomore season. He recently played at the World Hockey Championships with the U.S. team, where according to Pro Hockey Talk, Red Wings head coach Mike Babcock flew out to watch the Czech tournament and see their top prospect.

Larkin could probably contend to play for the Wings, and if he played in the minors, it would be with the Grand Rapids Griffins of the American Hockey League and he’d have opportunities to be a pro.

“Not 100 percent,” Larkin said about returning to the Wolverines, per the Windsor Star. “I’m still in between and weighing the options.”

Larkin did say that playing against pros with team USA in the Czech Republic helped influence his decision after he realized he could stack up against pro players. In his three games with the team, Larkin held his own with an assist and averaged nearly 15 minutes of ice time per game. That’s impressive, seeing how many stars participated in the tournament.

“I’m not in a rush,” Larkin said of making his decision. “The seasons are over. There’s really no rush. I really feel like there’s not a wrong choice or a bad option.

“Either way I’m still going to be playing hockey and doing what I love.”

It is noted by Pro Hockey Talk that if Larkin were to return to Michigan he would likely be a top candidate for the Hobey Baker Award next season, which Boston University star Jack Eichel won this year.Michigan head coach Rod Berenson said that Larkin was one of the best players he has ever coached, according to Pro Hockey Talk vs MLive.com.

Larkin represents just one of the prospects in what seems to be a new golden age of young hockey stars. More and more college players are becoming top prospects, competing with the junior players coming out of Canada.

It might not be next season that Larkin gets his first shot at the NHL, but it seems that sooner rather than later he will have the chance to make his mark with the Detroit Red Wings.