Dylan Larkin’s new deal may mean he’s the next Detroit Red Wings captain

DETROIT, MI – Dylan Larkin did some quick math: By the time his new contract expires, he’ll have played for the DetroitRed Wings for eight years.

His role during that time is almost likely to include the captaincy.

The Wings committed five years and $30.5 million to Larkin, who celebrated his 22nd birthday July 30. Larkin was deemed worthy of the deal, announced Friday, because of the growth he’s shown since he made the team in 2015-16, a year after he was drafted 15th overall in 2014.

In that short time, Larkin has emerged as the frontispiece of the rebuilding process, his inner drive drawing comparisons to Steve Yzerman, Nicklas Lidstrom and Henrik Zetterberg.