By Mia Rubin

Normally, 19 year olds begin their sophomore year of college, start to declare their major, and begin to figure out what they want to do with their lives. Not Dylan Larkin. At just the age of 19, Dylan Larkin signed a three-year, entry-level contract as the centerman for the Detroit Red Wings.

Born in Waterford, Dylan began to play hockey at a very young age.  As a junior in high school, Larkin played for the USA Hockey National Team Development Program in Ann Arbor.  In only 15 games on this team, he scored 13 goals and 14 assists. From there, he went on to playing in many national tournaments.  In 2014, Larkin was drafted 15th overall by the Detroit Red Wings.

Larkin was the first teen since 1990 to debut on the roster on opening night for the Detroit Red Wings. He was also the first Red Wings teenager to score in his first NHL game since Steve Yzerman in 1983. Scoring in many games and having a +14 plus/minus rating earned Larkin the title of NHL Rookie of the Month for November, 2015.

Not only did Larkin achieve all of these records at a young age, he also played in the 2016 NHL All-Star Game, which made him the first Red Wings rookie to play since 1984. Playing alongside many of the League’s star players, Larkin represented Detroit being the only Wing’s player in the game. At the SuperSkills Competition, Dylan made the record time for fastest skater.

Many more records and outstanding games will be in store for Dylan Larkin. Although he only has a three-year contract with the Detroit Red Wings, Larkin will continue to improve his game and make NHL history for years to come.