"It Does Make A Difference": Todd McLellan Praises Dylan Larkin's Impact On Red Wings

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Not only did the Detroit Red Wings enjoy their first victory of the 2026-27 NHL campaign with their 5-3 win over the divisional rival Ottawa Senators on Tuesday evening, but they also welcomed back forward Dylan Larkin to the lineup.

Larkin, who missed all of Training Camp due to an off-ice training injury, didn't play in any exhibition contests or either of Detroit's first two regular season games.

But he made an impact on Tuesday, scoring a goal while adding an assist as part of the win, and earning the game's first star as a result. 

Larkin's return coincided at a time when the Red Wings became even more shorthanded up front thanks to the injuries to forwards Marco Kasper, J.T. Compher, and Mason Appleton. 

Even so, the Red Wings outplayed Ottawa for most of the game, and Larkin's impact was evident beyond the scoresheet. 

"I don't think any of us internally here doubted or didn't think any differently, he is a number one center that are hard to find around the League, and he means a lot to our team when he's playing," said head coach Todd McLellan following practice on Thursday. "You can see it." 

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"We talked about the slotting and putting people into the right minute frame, playing against the right matchups, and he helps in all of those areas," McLellan said. "As well as his skill, power play, penalty killing, and all those other things." 

"It does make a difference," he said of Larkin's presence. "It really does." 

Larkin wasn't exactly well received by fans when he took his first shift Tuesday, and the booing continued when he first handled the puck. But the jeers gradually turned to (mostly) cheers when Larkin gave Detroit a 2-1 lead late in the first period and his goal was announced over the public address system.

Larkin, who later assisted on Viktor Arvidsson's goal in the second period, came to the defense of teammate Alex DeBrincat after he was hit near the end of the frame.

While it may take some time for Larkin to be fully embraced by fans following his stunning trade request over the summer, he's already made a considerable impact on a club that badly needed a victory after suffering two straight losses.

Not only has McLellan voiced how important Larkin is to Detroit's chances of success, but his teammates also made it clear in the days and weeks leading up to his return to the ice that he had their support, and that they're a better club overall when he's playing.

Larkin and the Red Wings host the Seattle Kraken on Friday evening at Little Caesars Arena. 

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