Red Wings' Center Crisis: Why Dylan Larkin Can't Carry Detroit Alone in 2025-26
The latest report by the Athletic that ranks each team's need for centers highlights a sense of urgency for the Detroit Red Wings.
Heading into the 2025-26 season, the Red Wings are projected to have Dylan Larkin, Marco Kasper, J.T Compher and Andrew Copp as their four centers.
According to The Athletic, the Red Wings are blessed to have Larkin, who's expected to upbring his game even more.
"Dylan Larkin once again projects to provide completely legit production for a first-line center. For the first time in a long time, Detroit has reason for optimism behind him. Marco Kasper's first NHL season was a success. He led Detroit's regulars in expected goal share and popped off in the season's second half, leading all rookies with 17 goals after Jan. 10 and adding a welcome dose of creativity and tenacity to the mix."
-The Athletic
-The Athletic
Their overview of the lineup does highlight urgent need for the Red Wings to acquire secondary support, as it al can't fall on Dylan Larkin, who's projection based off statistics deems him a second line center: not a true number-one.
"Detroit Red Wings
Current quality: 59th percentile
Looking for: None
For next season, he projects as an average 2C. That should be great news for the Red Wings - and the better news, based on his age and second-half production, is that he seems to be capable of more. Larkin needs help, and the other options (Andrew Copp and J.T. Compher) are limited for a team desperately trying to take the next step."
-The Athletic
Current quality: 59th percentile
Looking for: None
For next season, he projects as an average 2C. That should be great news for the Red Wings - and the better news, based on his age and second-half production, is that he seems to be capable of more. Larkin needs help, and the other options (Andrew Copp and J.T. Compher) are limited for a team desperately trying to take the next step."
-The Athletic
We can only hope Steve Yzerman addresses the need to provide Dylan Larkin support throughout the lineup, but there are several other areas in need of fixing this offseason as well.
| POLL | ||
JUIN 23 | 188 ANSWERS Red Wings' Center Crisis: Why Dylan Larkin Can't Carry Detroit Alone in 2025-26 If the Red Wings fail to make the playoffs yet again this upcoming season, do you think Larkin ends up requesting a trade? | ||
| Yes | 130 | 69.1 % |
| No | 58 | 30.9 % |
| List of polls | ||
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