With the season a little less than a month away from starting, today is now officially the opening of training camp. The time where players who are on PTO's and young prospects can earn roster spots on their NHL squads.
The Red Wings top prospect Dylan Larkin (the 15th overall pick in the 2014 Entry Draft) is considered the player with the best chance to make the Red Wings NHL roster out of training camp that isn't already practically a given.
At only 19 years of age Larkin who last year played with the Michigan Wolverines and the Grand Rapids Griffins during their playoff run showed he has exceptional offensive ability and impressive speed. In 35 games with the Wolverines he scored 15 goals and had 32 assists for 47 points. While with the Griffins he had 3 goals and 2 assists in only 6 games played showing he is certainly ready for professional hockey. The only question is, at which level?
Typically, this wouldn't even be a question. The "Red Wing way" is usually "over riping" their young players by giving them few years in the AHL and wait till they are about 24-26 years of age to have them on the NHL roster. But in this case, it certainly isn't out of the question that Larkin may actually make the NHL roster at only 19 years of age. Red Wings GM Ken Holland has been quoted saying they will certainly give Larkin a chance to make the team.
While Larkin is a very special player, the odds are certainly not in his favor. GM Ken Holland said he doesn't want a guy like Larkin only playing 8-9 minutes a night. He wants him as a permanent player and not just an injury replacement guy and in the top six there isn't much room for him especially with Franzen returning from his 4th concussion.
Will Larkin make the roster? Who knows. A couple things are for certain though, Larkin will one day be on the NHL roster and an exceptional player, and the Red Wings organization is very excited about him, including the players. Defenseman Niklas Kronwall has said some very positive things about him. "He can fly" was the biggest thing that he noticed.
Red Wings fans, I think it's pretty safe to be excited about this guy. Will he end up being the next Datsyuk or Zetterberg? Only time will tell. But, he will certainly be an exciting and big piece of the future for the Detroit Red Wings.
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