Red Wings Prospect Larkin Leaves U-M for Griffins

Dylan Larkin, first-round draft pick of the Detroit Red Wings in the 2014 NHL Entry Draft, will leave the University of Michigan after just one season to join the Grand Rapids Griffins.

By signing an amateur try-out contract with the Griffins, Larkin forfeits his NCAA eligibility but will be able to play for Grand Rapids in their Western Conference Final matchup with the Utica Comets. It also allows him to join the Griffins immediately while separately signing an entry-level deal with the Red Wings that will not begin until next season.

Larkin, 18, is fresh off representing the United States at the World Championships in the Czech Republic. In ten games he registered one assist playing as a defensive specialist on a team that surprised many to win the bronze medal. Larkin also represented the US at the World Junior Championships, with five goals and two assists in five games.

In his freshman and only year with the Michigan Wolverines, the center from Waterford scored 47 points (15 goals, 32 assists) in 35 games, earning him the Big Ten’s Freshman of the Year award.

The Griffins visit Utica for Game One of their series on Sunday.