Dylan Larkin’s end of year frustration
The end of the year saw the Red Wings go viral for all of the wrong reasons. Dylan Larkin voiced frustration at the lack of movement by Steve Yzerman at the trade deadline. Larkin, along with Lucas Raymond, are have yet to find a left wing who can stabilize what should be the team’s top line.
If the front office can’t find a suitable upgrade, it may pave the way for a prospect like Nate Danielson to try and fill that void. Veteran James Van Riemsdyk was signed in free agency, but last season averaged just 12:24 in ice time. The 36 year old may get some time on ice with Larkin, but the team needs to find a way to solidify the top 6 to make this team competitive.
Last season, Marco Kasper made a strong impression on the wing, but ultimately made his mark centering a line with Patrick Kane and Alex Debrincat. That line was Detroit’s most consistent threat to end the year, and should be given the chance to stay together. Simply put, Detroit only has five solid candidates for the top two lines.
The Opportunity inside the Red Wings system
The success of Marco Kasper last season speaks to the opportunity for prospects in Detroit’s systems. Kasper forced his way onto the roster and grabbed a top six role with his performance. There are a few players that seem likely to have an opportunity to recreate that success.
Danielson seems to be the center of conversations about the next prospect to break out. Without hesitation, he is mentioned by Steve Yzerman or Kris Draper as someone they are watching closely. Danielson accumulated 39 points in 71 games, with a stronger second half of his season in Grand Rapids. However, Amadeus Lombardi showed a strong knack for scoring in an injury shortened year.
Lombardi scored 40 points (19 goals, 21 assists) in just 44 games. That’s 27 fewer than Danielson, and nearly a point per game pace. Lombardi has a game very similar to Kasper and could do well to complement Larkin and Raymond. His speed and intensity should be enough to garner some looks at camp and in the preseason. While an assignment to the Grand Rapids Griffins is likely, call ups will be inevitable and Todd McLellan has no problem allowing someone’s play to dictate their position.
How deep is Larkin’s frustration?
Dylan Larkin has provided four straight seasons at 30 or more goals for the rebuilding Red Wings team. The fact that there is still no solid prospect for his left wing feels unacceptable. Having top top lines could easily make or break the team’s ability to have success in the coming season.
Larkin’s end of year presser seemed to signal a break between the players and the front office. The players felt that their efforts warranted significant upgrades that management has been unable or unwilling to obtain. There seems to be a “hope” that someone can over-perform as Kasper did and fill the voids on the roster. That could end up being a dangerous gambit as the team faces a 10th straight missed post season.
The Red Wings saw a massive bump with the coaching change last December. A terrible start to the season and a falloff after the 4 Nations tournament were too much to overcome, however. If the team can’t find a way to start strong, a difficult schedule combined with an Olympic break could be too much for this team to break through. Finding a strong and stable linemate for Larkin and Raymond needs to be a priority and could be a make or break issue for the team captain.
