Detroit — A striking thing about Dylan Larkin is no one is asking if he is ready for this.
He is ready.
Great expectations have followed him. Even before the Red Wings drafted a hometown guy, fans began to anticipate a Michigan-born and raised star among the next generation.
In his rookie season, Larkin provided accomplishment and encouraged hope.
In his second campaign, he faced down twin challenges of moving to center and the increased attention of defenders.
In the third, Larkin led the team in scoring, the fifth-youngest points leader all-time for the Wings (behind Steve Yzerman, Mark Osborne, Marcel Dionne and Dale McCourt).