The Red Wings' top prospect is turning pro.
After a successful season at the University of Michigan and a strong performance with the Bronze Medal-winning Team USA at the recent World Hockey Championships, Dylan Larkin has agreed to a three-year, entry-level contract with the Wings and will begin his professional career soon with the Grand Rapids Griffins of the American Hockey League.
Terms of the contract were not disclosed.
Larkin, a 6-foot-1, 185-pound left-shot center from Waterford Township, was Detroit's first pick 15th overall, in last year's NHL Entry Draft. He had 15 goals among 47 points in 35 games, earning the Big Ten conference's Freshman of the Year honors. He also earned First Team All-Big Ten honors as well as making the All-Big Tem Rookie Team.
He drew rave reviews from NHL scouts and Wings executives for his play in the Worlds, which concluded Sunday in Prague, Czech Republic.
The Griffins continue their pursuit of their second Calder Cup trophy in three years in a showdown with Utica (New York) in the AHL's Western Conference finals. That best-of-seven series begins Sunday at Utica.
