Dylan Larkin (born July 30th, 1996) is an American ice hockey player who has played all his professional career in the Detroit Red Wings organization. Larkin plays as a center. He has played once in NHL All-Star game in year 2016. For a young player, Larkin has a long experience in US junior and senior national teams.

Minor and junior career

In his minor league years, Larkin played for Detroit Belle Tire. Larkin was drafted in OHL draft by Erie Otters, but he never joined the team or league. For 2012-13 season, he was selected to USA National Hockey Team Development Program. He participated some international U17 tournaments with the team.

The next season, Larkin continued with the development program and this time he was with the U18 team. The highlight of the season was the U18 World Championship tournament, where USA won the gold medal. Larkin was an alternate captain of the US team in the tournament.

College and professional career

Larkin was selected by Detroit Red Wings in 2014 NHL Entry draft. He was number 15 pick overall. In season 2014-15, Larkin played in Michigan Wolverines and kicked off his collegiate career. The season was successful and after that, Larkin signed an entry-level three-year contract with the Red Wings. However, first he played in AHL play-offs with Grand Rapids Griffins.

Larkin made it to the first team after the team camp. He also scored in his first NHL regular season match. The injury of Pavel Datsyuk made it possible for Larkin to have more responsibility and playing time. The debut season of Larkin was a success in many ways. He scored 45 points in 80 regular season games, was selected as the rookie of the month, took part in NHL All-Star game and made it to the play-offs with the team. He was the fastest skater in NHL All-Star Super Skills Competition.

Larkin’s second season was not as good as the first one. In 2017-18 season, he recorded 63 regular season points. After the season, he signed a five-year contract extension with the Red Wings. During the last seasons, Red Wings has not been too successful team in the league, but Larkin is one of the most important players, when rebuilding the team for a better future.

International career

As said earlier, Larkin is a U18 Junior World Champion from year 2014. He has been in the US senior national team five times in World Championship tournaments. The team finished third in tournaments of 2015 and 2018. Moreover, he was in Team North America that took part in 2016 World Cup of Hockey tournament.

Other interesting stuff

Larkin has a brother and two cousins that also play hockey. They established the Larkin Hockey School in 2016. The school is based in Lakeland Ice Arena.

During COVID-19 pandemic, Larkin and his girlfriend acquired a dog. The puppy is called Ellie.

Larkin’s nickname is D-Boss. It was his childhood alter-ego, who starred in a YouTube video that Larkin made with his friend. The video went viral several years later.