kickazz 5,459 Report post Posted March 15, 2017 (edited) 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 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
ChristopherReevesLegs 7,022 Report post Posted March 15, 2017 Put a 20lb sand bag around his waist and BOOM, a powerforward is born Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
e_prime 1,936 Report post Posted March 15, 2017 Oh god... one of the most improperly used NHL player descriptors... 3 GMRwings1983, kickazz and F.Michael reacted to this Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
kliq 3,755 Report post Posted March 15, 2017 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. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
kickazz 5,459 Report post Posted March 15, 2017 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. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
ChristopherReevesLegs 7,022 Report post Posted March 15, 2017 When I think powerforward, I think big strong guy with offensive upside. Abdelkader is the closest thing we have to that. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
joesuffP 1,746 Report post Posted March 15, 2017 (edited) 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 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
DickieDunn 2,571 Report post Posted March 15, 2017 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." Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
ChristopherReevesLegs 7,022 Report post Posted March 15, 2017 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 2 kliq and PavelValerievichDatsyuk reacted to this Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Jacksoni 418 Report post Posted March 15, 2017 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. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Wheelchairsuperhero 1,453 Report post Posted March 15, 2017 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. 2 krsmith17 and marcaractac reacted to this Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Dabura 12,207 Report post Posted March 15, 2017 I like Larkin, but he's no Tim Duncan. 1 e_prime reacted to this Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
ChristopherReevesLegs 7,022 Report post Posted March 15, 2017 6 minutes ago, Dabura said: I like Larkin, but he's no Tim Duncan. Yeah he's more of a Rasheed Wallace 1 Dabura reacted to this Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
kickazz 5,459 Report post Posted March 15, 2017 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. 2 Wheelchairsuperhero and ChristopherReevesLegs reacted to this Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
kylee 727 Report post Posted March 16, 2017 Larkin dives too much to be a PF Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
kickazz 5,459 Report post Posted March 16, 2017 20 minutes ago, Jonas Mahonas said: Power forwards fight. Larkin doesn't. He has, and won Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
GMRwings1983 8,794 Report post Posted March 16, 2017 If you can't grow facial hair, you can't be a power forward. 1 kickazz reacted to this Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
ChristopherReevesLegs 7,022 Report post Posted March 16, 2017 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?? Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
barabbas16 499 Report post Posted March 16, 2017 (edited) 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 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
mackel 681 Report post Posted March 16, 2017 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. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
LeftWinger 4,961 Report post Posted March 18, 2017 Owen Tippett. carry on.... Share this post Link to post Share on other sites