From a pure points standpoint, Dylan Larkin is no longer the Detroit Red Wings’ most productive player. That distinction now belongs to Lucas Raymond, who, like Larkin, had an impressive showing at the 4 Nations Face-Off. However, while Raymond is emerging as a key contributor, he’s not quite ready to take over as the face of the franchise.
For now, that role still belongs to Larkin, and it will remain his as long as he’s in Detroit. However, as previously discussed, if the Red Wings miss the playoffs again this season—barring injury—it may be time to move on from their captain.
Larkin has had multiple opportunities to lead Detroit back to the postseason, but if the team falls short once again, his tenure could reasonably come into question. With the Red Wings continuing to build through a strong prospect pipeline while supplementing the roster with key trades and signings, there’s an argument to be made that the team might actually be better off in the long run without him.
It’s up to Dylan Larkin to break the Red Wings through to the NHL Playoffs
After an impressive showing at the 4 Nations Face-Off—where Dylan Larkin was seemingly everywhere on the ice—he returns to Detroit with momentum on his side. While Team USA didn’t take home the championship, Larkin’s individual performance was undeniable.
This momentum could be exactly what the Red Wings need, especially if it carries over to his teammates. If Larkin continues to make an impact in all three zones—scoring, playmaking, and winning faceoffs—he has the ability to lead Detroit to the postseason, even if the team doesn’t make major moves before the March 7 trade deadline.
However, if the Red Wings fall short again, it raises questions about Larkin’s long-term role as the team’s leader. In that case, it may be time to pass the torch to Lucas Raymond and Moritz Seider. As previously mentioned, Larkin could still hold significant value as a No. 2 center for a contending team, potentially bringing back young, NHL-ready talent in a trade—an outcome Detroit might have to consider if their playoff drought continues.
Will Larkin finally defy the odds and break the Red Wings into the postseason?
The short answer? Yes. Under new head coach Todd McLellan, the Red Wings have addressed their biggest flaws and are only poised to improve as additional pieces arrive in Detroit—whatever form those reinforcements take.
That said, much of the team’s success still hinges on Dylan Larkin. He needs to stay healthy, maintain elite-level play, and be the leader the Red Wings need. Last season, his injury derailed Detroit’s playoff push, leaving them without control over their own destiny. This time around, they’re in a much better position to dictate their fate and stay ahead of their biggest competitors.
Despite losing their final game before the break, the Red Wings carried significant momentum into the 4 Nations Face-Off, proving they are a formidable squad when playing within the right system. A top-three finish in the division isn’t out of reach—but for that to happen, Larkin’s performance, durability, and leadership will be key in turning that goal into reality.