• HOME
  • NHL Teams
    • North Division
      • Calgary Flames
      • Edmonton Oilers
      • Montreal Canadiens
      • Ottawa Senators
      • Toronto Maple Leafs
      • Vancouver Canucks
      • Winnipeg Jets
    • East Division
      • Boston Bruins
      • Buffalo Sabres
      • New Jersey Devils
      • New York Islanders
      • New York Rangers
      • Philadelphia Flyers
      • Pittsburgh Penguins
      • Washington Capitals
    • Central Division
      • Carolina Hurricanes
      • Chicago Blackhawks
      • Columbus Blue Jackets
      • Dallas Stars
      • Detroit Red Wings
      • Florida Panthers
      • Nashville Predators
      • Tampa Bay Lightning
    • West Division
      • Anaheim Ducks
      • Arizona Coyotes
      • Colorado Avalanche
      • Los Angeles Kings
      • Minnesota Wild
      • San Jose Sharks
      • Seattle Kraken
      • St. Louis Blues
      • Vegas Golden Knights
  • Headlines
  • NHL Rumors
  • NHL Prospects
  • World Juniors
  • Archives
  • Podcast Network
  • More…
    • CHL
      • Ontario Hockey League
      • Quebec Major Junior Hockey League
      • Western Hockey League
    • Columns
    • Women’s Hockey
    • Other Leagues
    • NHL Entry Draft
    • Books
    • NHL History
  • Log in
The Hockey Writers
  • Site Index
  • NHL Salary Caps
  • Hockey 101: A Beginner’s Guide
  • Join Our Team
  • Free Newsletter
  • Store
  • Log in
The Hockey Writers
  • HOME
  • NHL Teams
    • North Division
      • Calgary Flames
      • Edmonton Oilers
      • Montreal Canadiens
      • Ottawa Senators
      • Toronto Maple Leafs
      • Vancouver Canucks
      • Winnipeg Jets
    • East Division
      • Boston Bruins
      • Buffalo Sabres
      • New Jersey Devils
      • New York Islanders
      • New York Rangers
      • Philadelphia Flyers
      • Pittsburgh Penguins
      • Washington Capitals
    • Central Division
      • Carolina Hurricanes
      • Chicago Blackhawks
      • Columbus Blue Jackets
      • Dallas Stars
      • Detroit Red Wings
      • Florida Panthers
      • Nashville Predators
      • Tampa Bay Lightning
    • West Division
      • Anaheim Ducks
      • Arizona Coyotes
      • Colorado Avalanche
      • Los Angeles Kings
      • Minnesota Wild
      • San Jose Sharks
      • Seattle Kraken
      • St. Louis Blues
      • Vegas Golden Knights
  • Headlines
  • NHL Rumors
  • NHL Prospects
  • World Juniors
  • Archives
  • Podcast Network
  • More…
    • CHL
      • Ontario Hockey League
      • Quebec Major Junior Hockey League
      • Western Hockey League
    • Columns
    • Women’s Hockey
    • Other Leagues
    • NHL Entry Draft
    • Books
    • NHL History
Home
Detroit Red Wings

Do the Red Wings Have a No. 1 Center in Larkin?

By Tony Wolak November 15th, 2018

Facebook Twitter LinkedIn WhatsApp


Just like Eminem’s albums, the Detroit Red Wings have gone through phases. The last few years have been the “Relapse” chapter considering their struggles and attempts to right the sinking ship. This year—with their youth starting to take over—could be the beginning of their “Recovery” period.

Before they reach their “Revival” stage, a few boxes need to be checked, one of which is to have a No. 1 center. Is Dylan Larkin that player?

Red Wings center Dylan Larkin

Can the Red Wings count on Dylan Larkin to be their franchise cornerstone No. 1 center? (Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports)

Detroit had a bonafide top-line pivot for over a quarter-century – from the early days of Steve Yzerman, to Henrik Zetterberg’s last couple truly productive seasons. And while Larkin may not have the same ceiling as the Red Wings’ former captains, he might have the ability to become their much-needed No. 1 center.

Let’s take a look at the statistics, attributes, and qualities that make up a No. 1 center and see how Larkin stacks up. Because once the Red Wings have their first-line center and a few other valuable pieces in place, then they can launch into their high-flying, offensive “Kamikaze” phase and contend for another Stanley Cup.

Larkin, Statistically Speaking

First, let’s compare Larkin to the NHL’s top centers from a statistics standpoint. How does he measure up when it comes to points, shot attempts, faceoffs, and other relevant stat categories through Detroit’s first 18 games?

Category Larkin NHL Rank
Points 18 T-18th
Points Per Game 1.00 T-21st
5v5 Points/60 1.35 140th
5v5 Goals For % 30.0% 201st
5v5 Corsi For % 53.0% 48th
Faceoffs (Min. 100) 54.4% T-27th
Power Play Points 4 T-40th

Generally speaking, it’s a mixed bag for Larkin. He’s near the top of the league for points and is strong in the faceoff circle. However, his five-on-five numbers are pretty rough.

Starting with his offensive production, Larkin’s point per game average does look promising. He’ll likely range between 70 and 80 points per season over the next five years, which is pretty solid when you compare him with other centers around the league.

Last year, only 20 centers reached 70 points across the NHL, though you could argue a few primarily played on the wing (i.e. Jonathan Marchessault and Claude Giroux). Based on the early returns from this season, you can count Larkin among those players when the 2018-19 campaign concludes.

But looking at Larkin’s five-on-five points per 60, he trails not only Andreas Athanasiou on the Red Wings, but also Darren Helm and Luke Glendening. His even-strength goals-for percentage is even worse. This is not ideal for an elite No. 1 center.

Small sample sizes produce interesting results. Exhibit A:

Red Wings 5v5 GF through 15 games
T1. Glendening +2
T1. Ehn +2
.
.
.
T13. Abdelkader -8
T13. Mantha -8
15. Larkin -9 pic.twitter.com/9fO3m46yQo

— Tony Wolak (@TonyWolak) November 8, 2018

From a statistics standpoint, Larkin should not be considered a No. 1 center. His even-strength numbers are just too weak at the moment.

Larkin’s Qualitative Measures

One aspect of Larkin’s game that no one can deny is his leadership. After Zetterberg’s departure, the young center seamlessly stepped into the long-time Red Wing’s former role as the team leader on and off the ice.

Larkin’s never-quit attitude and constant drive to improve his game make him a great role model for the next generation of Red Wings. Though he’s not wearing the “C” in Detroit, he will soon.

Related – Red Wings’ Top 10 Prospects: Impressive Early Returns

Dylan Larkin of the Detroit Red Wings

Dylan Larkin learned his leadership qualities playing alongside Henrik Zetterberg. (Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports)

In addition, head coach Jeff Blashill can trust Larkin in any situation. He’s on Detroit’s top power play and penalty kill units and is constantly leading or near the top for all-situations time on ice among forwards. He’s clearly the go-to forward in Hockeytown.

Finally, Larkin’s vision and playmaking skills are quickly improving, making him a constant threat on the ice. Instant game-changing ability? Not quite yet, but his speed, quick shot, and ability to draw multiple defenders make him very dangerous in the offensive zone, even if the stats aren’t there yet.

Verdict on Larkin

At this very moment in time, Larkin should not be considered a No. 1 center. His five-on-five stats—most notably, his six goals for and 14 goals against—do not resemble that of an elite, two-way NHL pivot.

However, the season is still young and Larkin can improve his numbers over the course of the remaining 64 games. 18 contests is a small sample size. So for now, it’s a no for the No. 1 center question, but it should be asked once again after the 2018-19 NHL season concludes.

Should the Detroit Red Wings consider Dylan Larkin a No. 1 center? Share your thoughts below.

  • Tags
  • Dylan Larkin
  • Top Story
Facebook Twitter LinkedIn WhatsApp

Get theScore App Now!
Recent Posts
Jan 27th 5:45 PM
New York Rangers

Rangers Goaltending Struggles Show Georgiev Is Best Option

Jan 27th 5:30 PM
Column

Maple Leafs News & Rumors: Holl, Andersen, Marner, Matthews & Woll

Jan 27th 5:20 PM
New York Islanders

Islanders Season Ticket Sales at UBS Arena Exceeding Expectations

Jan 27th 5:10 PM
Edmonton Oilers

4 Ups and 4 Downs Eight Games Into Oilers 2020-21 NHL Season

Jan 27th 4:35 PM
Column

Blues Weekly: Standout Performances Highlight .500 Week

Jan 27th 4:15 PM
Arizona Coyotes

Soup To Nuts, Coyotes Make Moves To Improve On All Levels

Jan 27th 4:05 PM
Commentary

3 Stars That Could Be Traded in the Wake of the Laine/Dubois Deal

Jan 27th 3:55 PM
Editor's Choice

3 Best Edmonton Oilers to Never Win a Stanley Cup

Jan 27th 3:45 PM
Fantasy

Kings’ 5 Most Valuable Players for Fantasy Hockey

Jan 27th 3:35 PM
Columbus Blue Jackets

Why Burke Anticipates the Tortorella, Laine Relationship Will Be ‘Just Fine’ [Video]

Editor’s Picks
Wayne Gretzky - The Great One's 10 Most Unbreakable Records

Wayne Gretzky - The Great One's 10 Most Unbreakable Records

Test Your Wayne Gretzky Knowledge With Our Quiz

Test Your Wayne Gretzky Knowledge With Our Quiz

Masthead

Newsletters

RSS Feeds

Privacy Statement

Contact Us

About THW…

Founded in 2009, The Hockey Writers is a premier destination for news and information on everything hockey. Updated daily with news and features from over 130 writers worldwide. Over 2 million monthly readers now come to THW for their hockey fix.

© The Hockey Writers 2020. All rights reserved.
logo
  • HOME
  • Hockey Headlines
  • NHL Rumors
  • North Division
    • Calgary Flames
    • Edmonton Oilers
    • Montreal Canadiens
    • Ottawa Senators
    • Toronto Maple Leafs
    • Vancouver Canucks
    • Winnipeg Jets
  • East Division
    • Boston Bruins
    • Buffalo Sabres
    • New Jersey Devils
    • New York Islanders
    • New York Rangers
    • Philadelphia Flyers
    • Pittsburgh Penguins
    • Washington Capitals
  • Central Division
    • Carolina Hurricanes
    • Chicago Blackhawks
    • Columbus Blue Jackets
    • Dallas Stars
    • Detroit Red Wings
    • Florida Panthers
    • Nashville Predators
    • Tampa Bay Lightning
  • West Division
    • Anaheim Ducks
    • Arizona Coyotes
    • Colorado Avalanche
    • Los Angeles Kings
    • Minnesota Wild
    • San Jose Sharks
    • Seattle Kraken
    • St Louis Blues
    • Vegas Golden Knights
  • World Juniors
  • CHL
    • Ontario Hockey League
    • Quebec Major Junior Hockey League
    • Western Hockey League
  • THW Podcast Network
  • Store
  • FREE Newsletter
  • Search THW
  • More…
    • Join Our Team
    • The THW Archives
    • Prospects
    • The Goalie Page
    • NHL Salary Cap Information