Babcock's departure persuaded Red Wings' Larkin to sign with team
Detroit Red Wings prospect Dylan Larkin is hoping a new coach will bring new possibilities.
The 19-year-old signed his entry-level contract with the Red Wings on May 21, the same day head coach Mike Babcock announced he was joining the Toronto Maple Leafs, which was no coincidence.
"That is one of the reasons I decided to sign and leave college," Larkin told NHL.com's Mike Brophy. "There is a new coach and there seems to be some older players who might be on their way out. I think it is a great opportunity for me to learn from them. Growing up in Detroit you hear so much about those guys. I have watched Henrik Zetterberg and Pavel Datsyuk my whole life, so to be in the same room as them would be an incredible experience."
The Red Wings, under Babcock, were notorious for never rushing young players up to the NHL level, instead electing to develop them in the AHL until the team felt confident they could contribute for the big club.
Larkin, drafted 15th overall in 2014. left the University of Michigan after one season, where he recorded 15 goals and 42 points in 35 games last year.
Only time will tell if new head coach Jeff Blashill shares the Babcock philosophy.