Dylan Larkin makes bold statement about Wings captaincy

The Detroit Red Wings did not have a captain last season after Henrik Zetterberg had to step away from the game because of back problems. The forward veteran was the Wings captain since 2012-13.

It might be time for a new era in Hockey Town and it seems like forward Dylan Larkin is ready for the challenge. Meeting with TSN on Tuesday, the 23-year-old had no problem admitting to be ready for the job. 

“I feel ready for it,” the center told TSN. “I think it’s something that I can’t focus on, I can’t lose sleep about it, can’t control it, I just try and be myself and play the game that I love and play with a lot of passion.

“Everyone in the NHL has been a leader at some point in their careers. I’m lucky that we have great veteran leadership and it’s taken a lot of pressure off me, but a letter’s a letter, but being a captain of a franchise like the Detroit Red Wings would mean a lot to me.”

The kid would be perfect. He grew up in Michigan and ever since the Wings selected in the first round, 15th overall in 2014, he has put up great numbers for the club. Last season, he set NHL career highs with 73 points, 32 goals, 287 shots on goal and 21:51 time on ice per game.

“I think last year was a big stepping year for me,” Larkin said. “I took a big step in my game, my 200-foot game, and I think I got a lot of confidence after that season. I need to take another step and become even better in my own zone, and score more, or contribute in different ways offensively. … I’m excited to get back at it.”

It sounds sure like Larkin is saying: Challenge accepted. Despite his young age, he knows he’s learned from the best in Zetterberg and keeps in touch with the veteran for advices. 

We would love to see him get the job. 

“It’s something if it happens, it happens,” Larkin said. “If it doesn’t, I still get to play for the Detroit Red Wings and I get to play in the NHL, and I’m going to try and play my best.”

Wouldn’t you?