Observations:

January 2015- As stated by Julius Ceasar, "I came, I saw and I conquered" almost fits Dylan Larkin to a tee. The rookie sensation has burst onto the NHL scene consistently showcasing his blistering speed, deft passing and timely scoring on route to being voted as Detroit's lone All Star representive in Nashville. He certainly proved he deserved to be there as I mentioned before time-and-time again he absolutely flies on the ice and he proved that to the world by besting Mike Gartner's 20 year old record of 13.386 seconds with a time of 13.172.

It wasn't just individually where the Michigan product shined as he led the Atlantic All Stars with three assists as they downed their Metropolitan foes given them a chance to take home the All Star Crown. It wasn't meant to be as they were ultimately defeated by Pacific All Stars by a single goal in what turned into a goaltending duo. The score didn't tell the story here as there were many prime scoring chances and even more stupendous saves. With a couple of those saves coming as a direct result of Larkin's relentless effort, which obviosuly didn't go unnoticed as he was rewarded with ice-time in the crunch with the goalie pulled as they looked for the equalizer. If you didn't know Dylan Larkin already, you should now and you should not hesitate to add him as he is the Red Wing forward to own long-term and a true star in the making. Travis Watson

December 2015- The young versatile, Larkin, has arguably been Detroit's best and most consistent player to date. Now he's getting some hardware to recognize that after being named the Rookie of the Month for November. The Michigan native scored seven goals and ten points in 13 games and was chosen ahead of other Calder Trophy hopefuls Artemi Panarin, Max Domi and Jack Eichel to name a few. This feat may have seemed improbable to most poolies because Detroit typically doesn't give ample opportunities to teenagers, but Larkin is forcing their hand with his blazing speed and timely goals. The most impressive statistic however is that number 71 leads the entire association with a plus-17 rating to date proving his mettle. Travis Watson

October 2015 – After starring as a freshman with the University of Michigan Wolverines racking up 47 points in a measley 35 games, Dylan Larkin was ticketed as the Red Wings golden prospect and rightfully so. Even with the high expectations, cracking a veteran-ladened roster was considered a longer shot for the big talented two-way Larkin. His play in camp impressed enough to eventually be slotted in alongside Henrik Zetterberg and Justin Abdelkader on the top line and the trio has clicked right away. Arguably the NHL's hottest line, Larkin's four points in three games has resonated through his linemates' hot start as well. Brendan Ross

October 2015- Well that didn't take long, one game and already one goal and one assist for Dylan Larkin who dazzled in the 2015-16 opener. Constantly wreaking havoc on the Maple Leafs defence with his blistering speed which was on full display on his milestone goal in front of many friends and family. Larkin proved it was no fluke notching another assist before moving onto a line with the youthful Tomas Tatar and Teemu Pulkkinen which helped ignite a comeback 4-3 win to move to 2-0 on the season. Larkin is certainly going to make it tough to send him down if he continues to produce and help the Wings win. Depth certainly isn't a bad problem to have, but it may mean that some trades could be on the horizon in Hockeytown. Travis Watson

Dylan Larkin has beat the odds and bucked the trend in Detroit by being the first teenager to make the opening night roster since current Wings director of player development, Jiri Fischer did back in 1999-00. He will debut in the home opener centered between Henrik Zetterbrg and fellow American Justin Abdelkader as they go to battle against their rival, Toronto Maple Leafs. The talk all along was that Larkin was going to have to earn his place and it looks as though he has done just that with a spot on the 1A top line. Now it's time for him to prove his roster spot is no fluke and that he's ready to take on the World's best on a night-to-night basis. Keep in mind that the return of Pavel Datsyuk and Darren Helm could limit Larkin's short-term value and roster spot. Keep watch and if you haven't already an add may be worth your while even if it may be limited! Travis Watson

September 2015- Dylan Larkin is making a case for himself to open the season in Detroit which could create a couple headaches for GM Ken Holland. In his second preseason game and first on home ice, Larkin opened his goal scoring account and added another for his first two goals in the Red and White against NHL competition enroute to a 6-1 thumping of the Pittsburgh Penguins. The Wings youth shined on this night with the trio of Tyler Bertuzzi, Teemu Pulkkinen and the homegrown Larkin combining for ten points on the evening. This performance coming on the heels of a second place finish at the 2015 Traverse City Prospects tournament where he compiled a goal and four assists good enough for a tie in fifth place for tournament scoring. 

"He used his speed and pushed the pace of the game. He was hunting the puck and very noticeable out there. I think he's our best player on the ice." – Grand Rapid Griffin's coach Todd Nelson after the Wings 2014 1st rounders second game in Traverse City.

That's high praise for someone who should be just entering his sophmore year at Michigan, but he decided after playing in the World Championships last season and testing his abilities against some of the best players in the world that he was ready and eager to take the plunge into the professional ranks. Larkin is going to make it real difficult to send him down, but as per usual Ken Holland will weight out the pro's and con's before ultimately deciding the fate of their prized prospect. No doubt he will be a future centrepiece to the franchise with many future accolades to come. If he does suit up for Detroit this season he could hit the 40 point plateau with an even 20G-20A projection. Travis Watson

May 2015- Dylan Larkin is already making an impact in Grand Rapids scoring two goals in just his second game with the team. He helped build an early two nothing lead that the Griffin's wouldn't relinguish on route to a four to two victory over the Utica Comets. With the win it evens the series at a game a piece and now it turns the home ice in favour of his home state team. Travis Watson 

The speculation can now end, Dylan Larkin is turning pro! Detroit's prized prospect announced on May 21st that he will forgo his final three years of College hockey to get a crack at making his childhood dream come true. The Michigan native has signed a three-year entry-level deal and will be given the opportunity to make his home state Red Wings as early as 2015-16.  

Larkin is fresh off a Bronze medal finish with Team USA at the 2015 IIHF World Championships and will get another chance to impress Detroit brass immediately as he will head out on an amateur tryout and join Grand Rapids in their pursuit of another Calder Cup Championship. The Wings aren't holding a spot open for Larkin he's going to have to work and play his way into an opening night role but this young stud is willing to bet on himself to get the job done. He's projected to be an All-Star calibre two-way pivot in time so draft accordingly. Travis Watson

April 2015- After an outstanding perfromance at the 2015 WJHC backed up by an incredible season at the University of Michigan, Dylan Larkin, was named to Team USA's IIHF World Championships roster. A remarkable accomplishment for a Freshman who will be the youngest of four Collegiate players suiting up for the Americans. This will be great experience and a test of what may be to come if Larkin decides to turn pro for the 2015-16 season. Travis Watson

March 2015- Dylan Larkin has dazzled the Big Ten all year putting on a display night-in and night-out with Big Ten top scorer and linemate Zach Hyman. Larkin's 47 points absolutely crushed last years Freshmen of the Year winner and teamate J.T. Compher's 31 points and in doing so he was uniaminously selected as the 2015 Big Ten Freshmen of the Year making it consecutive years for a Wolverine rookie. This two-way stud is going to be a very big piece of the puzzle for the Wings and it could be sooner than many may think. Odds are he will be back in Ann Arbour next season, but it wouldn't be a shock when Larkin makes the jump to Detroit that he makes a similar impact as his childhood hero, The Captain, Steve Yzerman. If he wasn't on your radar already make sure you go and get this kid as he's going to be a special player to watch for a very long time! Travis Watson

December 2014- With five goals through four group stage games, Dylan Larkin leads all goal scorers at the 2015 WJHC to date. The Detroit Red Wings prospect is known for his two-way game and is showing that in a big way on the National stage as his seven points puts him in a tie for second in scoring to go along with first in goals scored (5) and third in plus/minus rating(plus- 7). Unfortunately, Larkin's personal success hasn't been enough to take Team USA to top spot in the group as their New Years Eve defeat against arch rival Canada was the deciding factor. Larkin's two goals and especially his second of the game with 40 seconds remaining made things real interesting at 4-3 before Canada put the game to bed again with another empty netter. Up next for the USA squad is a tough quarterfinal showdown with perennial contender Russia. Russia hasn't played exceptional hockey to date, but as with any tournament any team can win in the knockout stage and Russia is always capable of putting on a show at any point so Team USA is certainly hoping the well hasn't run dry with Larkin. Travis Watson

November 2014- Dylan Larkin has started his UofM career with a bang, posting a point-per-game through his first seven games with two goals and five assists. Being a freshmen doesn't seem to faze the 2014 first round pick as he is off to a blazing start which could be a result of playing alongside longtime childhood friend Zach Werenski once again. The Wolverines are hoping these two talented youngsters can help bring revive their hockey program and put them back in the National spotlight. Expect Larkin to contend for Big 10 freshmen of the year and finish among Wolverines top scorers. Travis Watson

June 2014 – The Detroit Red Wings selected Dylan Larkin 15^th overall in the 2014 NHL Entry Draft. Brendan Ross

February 2014 – Blessed with good wheels and engaging in a scrappy attack, Larkin forces the pace of the game to uncomfortable levels for opposing defenders. Playing in a north-south direction, Larkin battles hard and drives the net with a purpose bringing the same intensity shift after shift. At the next level, it appears he won’t be a top-line player but Larkin certainly projects as a two-way forward who can impact that game in all three zones. Brendan Ross

Fantasy Outlook: A

Sound all around game with a knack for coming up clutch when his team is in need. Leads by example with strong work ethic and is a true star in the making. 

Footage:

Here's some scouts take from TSN on Dylan Larkin and the type of game he brings to the Red Wings organization:

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