The Detroit Red Wings currently are sitting in 3rd place (11-5-4) in the Atlantic, off to their best start in years. Leading the way and taking his contract year by storm has been none other than the captain Dylan Larkin. At just 26 years old, the Ann Arbor native has already been through some tough times with Detroit.

Battling a few injuries along with some struggling moments as a team, but one thing has never changed. Dylan Larkin’s heart, hustle and determination. As a city, we’ve watched Dylan bloom into a leader right before our eyes. From the second he put on the Winged Wheel, fans saw the future of Red Wings hockey through Larkin.

Dylan Larkin didn’t sign his extension early, switched to a bigtime agency, & has played like a bonafide #1 center over the last season+.

He bet on himself and it's paying off. This contract is going to be Yzerman's biggest task to date. #LGRW https://t.co/ABC76TfcGy

— Ryan Hana (@RyanHanaWWP) November 22, 2022

Has Dylan Larkin Earned His Extension?

Dylan Larkin through 20 games has a team leading 23 points (9G, 14A), on pace to have his best season of his career. While the first takeaway will be his points, but what’s going under the radar is Dylan is one of the best two way centers in the game right now. His energy on the defensive end has been one of the many bright spots in his game this season.

Aside from his team in lead in points, Larkin is also 2nd on the team in +/-, with a +9 only behind Filip Hronek. Siting that, Detroit clearly plays better on both ends with Dylan on the ice. Obviously, the new additions have been a great spark for this team, but the staple that keeps this team together is the man wearing the C.

Through the highs and lows of this hockey team, Larkin has taken accountability and shown heart through it all. What Dylan Larkin brings to this city, this hockey team. Can’t be replaced. There is no other option, pay the man.