Dylan Larkin... A powerforward?

[kickazz 5,459]

So recently I've heard a narrative from someone that Jeff Blashill wants Larkin to be a powerforward. Naturally I asked for the source on this, but as usual was not provided with one. At first I declared it as a false narrative but then I did some digging of my own.

It turns out, I did not find that Jeff Blashill wants Larkin to be a powerforward. But instead, Dylan Larkin was actually considered a powerforward in the US National development team and in college hockey. Interesting aye? Check out the following article.

After departing with the US National Development team, Larkin went to the University of Michigan as a freshman, where he made an immediate impact. The six-foot-one power forward found himself playing a large role with the Wolverines as an every day second-line center and utility power play/penalty kill specialist. Not only is Larkin pegged as a power-forward-type player with skating abilities that are next-to-none, he's developed into a serious offensive threat mixing pure hockey sense, spectacular vision, and blazing speed. Here's a personal favorite goal of Larkin's that showcases these attributes:

http://www.wingingitinmotown.com/2015/8/19/9173647/ranking-top-15-red-wings-prospects-center-dylan-larkin

You learn something everyday. I wonder if Blashill is upto something genius in Larkin's development. 

Edited March 15, 2017 by kickazz

[ChristopherReevesLegs 7,022]

Put a 20lb sand bag around his waist and BOOM, a powerforward is born 

[e_prime 1,936]

Oh god... one of the most improperly used NHL player descriptors... 

[kliq 3,755]

I actually heard an interview on 97.1 yesterday where Blashill spoke about Larkin, his exact words (well close to exact) about him now playing center were "Larkin has the potential to become an elite 2 way center". Nothing about him being a power forward.

[kickazz 5,459]

1 minute ago, F.Michael said:

Agreed.

Shanahan, Roberts, Clark, Tocchet, Nolan, Iginla, and Neely are guys whom I've considered to be 'power forwards' - as in they can score goals, play physical, and punch faces when needed.

Sorry, but Larkin is none of those.

According to some, Blashill wants Larkin to be a powerforward. In my research I came across that article. 

[ChristopherReevesLegs 7,022]

When I think powerforward, I think big strong guy with offensive upside. Abdelkader is the closest thing we have to that.

[joesuffP 1,746]

I consider a power forward a big strong guy that takes pucks to the net. So guys like Rick Nash, Simmons, Malkin... all fall in that category to me just by my definition. Punching people is whatever to me

 

Concerning Larkin.. I think Blashill is focused on teaching young players with potential but he's just terrible at it. I don't think he's just dumb. He sees guys with a good future like AA and Larkin but his methods are off

Edited March 15, 2017 by joesuffP

[DickieDunn 2,571]

Anyone know if they have clips posted of the between period interviews so I can shut this jackass up?  Larkin said it in one of those, and I know he's just going to say something along the lines of "link or it's not true."

[ChristopherReevesLegs 7,022]

9 minutes ago, DickieDunn said:

Anyone know if they have clips posted of the between period interviews so I can shut this jackass up?  Larkin said it in one of those, and I know he's just going to say something along the lines of "link or it's not true."

I think you misspelled Kickazz

[Jacksoni 418]

Larkin might have been a power forward in the minors or whatever. In the NHL he simply can not play power forward. He would be instantly injured or have bad output compared to personnel suited for the role.

On top of that his primary weapon is his speed. Bulk him up for the power forward role and you slow him down.

Put him on wing, I don't think he's a center, could possibly develop into one but I am not seeing it right now.

[Wheelchairsuperhero 1,453]

7 minutes ago, Jacksoni said:

Larkin might have been a power forward in the minors or whatever. In the NHL he simply can not play power forward. He would be instantly injured or have bad output compared to personnel suited for the role.

On top of that his primary weapon is his speed. Bulk him up for the power forward role and you slow him down.

Put him on wing, I don't think he's a center, could possibly develop into one but I am not seeing it right now.

I agree about him not being a power forward in the NHL, that's just not his game here. I do think that some of his best games as a Red Wing have come when he's been at Center though. I'd much rather see him there for the rest of the year, getting experience. Honestly, we need him to develope into a top six C.

[Dabura 12,207]

I like Larkin, but he's no Tim Duncan.

[ChristopherReevesLegs 7,022]

6 minutes ago, Dabura said:

I like Larkin, but he's no Tim Duncan.

Yeah he's more of a Rasheed Wallace

[kickazz 5,459]

3 hours ago, DickieDunn said:

Anyone know if they have clips posted of the between period interviews..  ...Larkin said it in one of those, and I know he's just going to say something along the lines of "link or it's not true."

He said it in between periods? 

Link or it's not true.

[kylee 727]

Larkin dives too much to be a PF 

[kickazz 5,459]

20 minutes ago, Jonas Mahonas said:

Power forwards fight.  Larkin doesn't.

He has, and won

[GMRwings1983 8,794]

If you can't grow facial hair, you can't be a power forward.  

[ChristopherReevesLegs 7,022]

1 hour ago, GMRwings1983 said:

If you can't grow facial hair, you can't be a power forward.  

Crosby's not a power forward??

[barabbas16 499]

3 hours ago, GMRwings1983 said:

If you can't grow facial hair, you can't be a power forward.  

...Charlie Villanueva?

Edited March 16, 2017 by barabbas16

[mackel 679]

I'd be thrilled if long term Larkin turns out to be better than an average 3+/2- center along the lines of Bozak.  But I think that's what he'll be...  serviceable and that's about it.

[LeftWinger 4,951]

Owen Tippett.

 

carry on....