Red Wings GM Wanted More From His Captain

Over the course of the season, Larkin established a career high with 34 goals. Of that total, 19 goals – 55.88% – were scored at even strength. That ranked Larkin 73rd overall in the NHL.

“Well, five-on-five [scoring] is an issue,” Yzerman said. “Scoring is an issue for our team, not just Dylan. It’s an issue for our team, I think, collectively.

“But just going back to Dylan specifically, we ask a lot, but he provides a lot of things other than just scoring.”

Red Wings Larkin Thrives on Being Challenged

As captain of the Red Wings, Yzerman’s ability to lead was also questioned as Detroit endured multiple playoff failures in the early 1990s.

“I went through the same thing,” Yzerman said. “When your team isn’t meeting expectations or reaching certain goals, it’s right to question the leadership.”

Yzerman is correct that the Red Wings both ask and expect plenty from the captain. Then again, what NHL team doesn’t?

Still, it would be remiss not to look at Larkin’s overall contribution to the team when assessing his game.

“Well, I think, and I’ve said this to Dylan specifically, I think my expectation is for him to be a really good two-way player,” Yzerman said. “He can play in all situations as a centerman. Be effective in the face-off circle, which, for the most part, he’s pretty darn good in there.”

Larkin won 52.9% of his draws this season. That rated second on the team and 34th overall in the league.

“I know he’s a good two-way player,” Yzerman said. “He can generate offense. He’s very good on the bumper on the power play.”

Echoing Yzerman’s sentiments, Detroit coach Todd McLellan acknowledges that he heaps responsibility on Larkin’s shoulders.

“He has to be able to play a two-way game because he has to provide us some offense, and he also has to be responsible enough to shut down some of the top players,” McLellan said. “He relishes that role and wants that role.”

Larkin Wants To Do More

The captain does indeed embrace the opportunity to lead the Red Wings in every way possible. And he also won’t dispute the notion that he needs to bring more to the ice to get this team into the playoffs.

“Not good enough, I would say again,” was Larkin’s assessment of his season, “but a lot of positives.

“I do think it’s a hard job in our league to be out there to score and to shut down other teams and top players. And I took that role a lot this year, and to be honest with you, I love that role. It brings out the competitiveness in me.

“When (Edmonton’s Connor) McDavid comes in here, I want to be out there against him, and I want to keep him off the scoreboard, and it’s hard to do.”

So is makng the playoffs, as Larkin and the Red Wings continue to find out.

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