Red Wings Wrap-Up: Dylan Larkin shines in All-Star season

Coming off a neck injury in April 2021 that saw Dylan Larkin hospitalized and placed in a neck brace for eight weeks, there were questions about how quickly the Detroit Red Wings captain could return to form in 2021-22.

But in his second season donning the "C" for his hometown team, Larkin put together his most productive campaign to date.
Larkin finished with a team-leading 31 goals and 69 points in 71 games this season before undergoing core muscle surgery on April 18 that sidelined him for Detroit's final six games.

"It felt good to get back to the way I know I can play," Larkin said in his end-of-season media session. "I really felt I came into this year wanting to drive the play, use my skating ability, relax and just play."
Following his neck injury, Larkin used last summer to rehab and prepare with the goal of being ready for Training Camp and the start of the regular season.
"I really prepared as much as I could last year after being injured as well," Larkin said. "I felt I was very prepared and had a great summer, did a few different things and it really worked out for me."

In particular, a 10-game point streak (7-11 -18) from Jan. 29 - March 1 showed the kind of impact Larkin can provide when healthy. It was the second-longest streak of his career, behind the 14-game point streak he tallied from Dec. 4 - 31, 2018.
Larkin's play was rewarded as the Waterford, Mich., native
represented the Red Wings at the 2022 NHL All-Star Weekend
, marking his first All-Star game since his rookie campaign in 2015-16.
For Larkin, his All-Star campaign didn't come without challenges.
"I felt there was a lot of adversity. Some things in my control and some things not in my control that kind of happened and a lot of distractions," Larkin said. "I was proud of myself for how I tried to stay consistent in my character, how I showed up to the rink and how I was there for the guys."
Larkin also focused on being a 200-foot player and earning points on a consistent basis.
"I felt, at times, I could take over a game and be a big difference-maker," Larkin said. "I haven't had that feeling in a while."

Larkin is tired of coming up short of the postseason. But he sees progress and positive steps being taken.
"We're in a better spot today than we were a couple years ago," Larkin said. "It gets frustrating when you don't see that. And now, to finally see the Lucas Raymond's and Mo Seider's have an impact, it gives me hope for the future because they're really good players, good people and high-character guys. It makes me excited and more optimistic about the future."
Larkin is entering the final season of a five-year contract he signed in 2018, and is anxious to sign another long-term deal with the Red Wings.
"I love being a Red Wing," Larkin said. "I love being the captain of the team and I think this team is gonna do special things in the near future."

Throughout this spring and summer, Larkin is focused on his recovery and lacing up his skates as soon as possible.
"I do feel good," Larkin said. "The first week (post-surgery) was really tough, but I'm up and moving now, upright. I've been doing treatment at the rink. I'll be on the ice when they give me the green light."