Red Wings name Larkin franchise's 37th captain

The 24-year-old will be the first captain for the Red Wings since Henrik Zetterberg retired on September 14, 2018.

The Red Wings announced Dylan Larkin as the 37th captain in franchise history Wednesday, the day before they begin the 2021 season. In that time, no player has played more games or scored more points for the Red Wings than Larkin, who has 266 points in 389 games.

Larkin is the team's first captain since Henrik Zetterberg, who led the team from 2012-18. "It's very exciting. It's hard to put into words, but this means so much to me". He's the team's fourth captain in the past 34 years, joining Zetterberg, Steve Yzerman, and Nicklas Lidstrom.

Larkin, a Detroit-area native and former University of MI star, has served as an alternate captain in each of the past two seasons.

"Dylan has the utmost respect from his teammates because of his work ethic, passion, care for others and burning desire to win", Blashill said. "They're not only great players but great people in the community, so it would be a great honor".

Red Wings head coach Jeff Blashill cited Larkin's leadership during worldwide competition when reacting to the decision. "He will be an outstanding leader for us, both on and off the ice". Last season, he wore an "A" as one of four alternate captains for the team.