Detroit Red Wings prospect Dylan Larkin said Mike Babcock’s departure was one of the main reasons he decided to sign with club this offseason. In an interview with Mike Brophy of NHL.com, the 5th ranked prospect by HockeyFutures.com, revealed that he’s hoping there’s a new youth movement following the hiring of new coach Jeff Blashill.
“That is one of the reasons I decided to sign and leave college.
There is a new coach and there seems to be some older players who might be on their way out. I think it is a great opportunity for me to learn from them. Growing up in Detroit you hear so much about those guys. I have watched Henrik Zetterberg and Pavel Datsyuk my whole life, so to be in the same room as them would be an incredible experience.”
The Red Wings have let players develop in the American Hockey League much longer than most teams. While other NHL teams use the AHL as a spring board to the NHL, Detroit has often made sure players have sustained success in the AHL before they see regular duty with the big club.
The 19-year-old Larkin is likely hoping he doesn’t have to sit in the AHL for years before making his NHL debut, and thinks there might have been a change in mindset with Babcock heading to Toronto.
Larkin may be a top prospect in the league, but he still faces an uphill battle to make the team out of camp. It wouldn’t be a surprise if the club sent him to the AHL to get adjusted to the pro game.
