Points or no points Eichel, Larkin and Seth Jones were among the biggest reasons for the unexpected succes the U.S. had this tournament. they were all excellent. Eichel and Larkin being only 18 and playing against not just pros...but in many cases top pros...they were fantastic.
Prospect Info: 15th overall — C Dylan Larkin: Larkin signs 3 year entry deal
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haulinbass
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- Mar 6, 2014
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I'm not comparing Larkin and Eichels past accomplishments or their projected potential. I'm analyzing what I saw in this tournament and the gap was slim. I obviously am very aware Eichel put up much bigger numbers in the NCAA than Larkin. This is the first time these two played against pros and as I said before the gap was slim. I'm not trying to say Larkin will ever out achieve Eichel. What I am saying is this is a very good sign that Larkin is going to be able to be an effective player in the NHL. I did mix up how many points Eichel recorded, my bad I did not feel like looking up the stats and for some reason that came to my head, but he did get to play an offensive role with better line-mates. I watched the last 3 games and the entire game I focused purely on Eichel and Larkin. I saw Larkin show the same ability to create plays anywhere on the ice as Eichel. I speculate this is because Larkin plays a more simple game and it will take Eichel a few more games to bring what he is fully capable of to the table. Not once have I or would I say Larkin is going to be a better player than Eichel. Just want to make that clear so people don't think im crazy
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How would him playing another year at Michigan quicken his development compared to playing in Grand Rapids/
The assumption that him playing in a tougher league will be more beneficial despite probably having fewer minutes and in a more limited role is nonsense. First of all, his development doesn't need to be accelerated at all. At the start of the season no one was talking about whether or not Larkin should turn pro this summer. Just because he had one amazing season in college doesn't mean his development track should be altered from the original plan.
I'd much rather have him be the #1 center in Michigan and be the team captain while also representing Team USA at the World Juniors. That would be huge for him.
WingedWheel1987
Registered User
If he goes pro, let him come to camp and see if he can beat the competition. If he goes back to Michigan, that's cool too.
Mount Suribachi
Registered User
WingedWheel1987
Registered User
Sorry I meant go back to Michigan if he doesn't decide to go pro.
You are correct that he would not be eligible to return to Michigan if he joined the Griffins.
Vatican Roulette
Baile de Los Locos
IMO, he wouldn't make the team, too much depth at center.
But, going to Grand Rapids for most of the year would really benefit him coming into camp the following year.
Cyborg Yzerberg
Registered User
I think another year at college would be good for Larkin, Grand Rapids might be too big of a learning curve too quickly. But, I'd support him if he did that too.
detredWINgs
Registered User
Not that I think he'd make the Wings, but I don't think there's too much depth at center, unless you think Hank is still a full-time center in this league. There's a home for Larkin in the 3C spot if he's legitimately that good. Just move Hank to wing, as we did with Weiss, Helm, Lando...Makes even more sense if you anticipate next year's coach cutting Hank and Datsyuk's minutes down to the 16-17 minute range where and you roll with something like 16-16-14-14 in terms of minutes per line.
The Zetterberg Era
Ball Hockey Sucks
I don't think it matters a ton where he plays. But one element that would be far easier on him is in the weight room. Playing 30 less games, allows him more time to bulk up and an easier level to experiment at offensively. Going pro can accelerate what he is as hockey player, but it doesn't mean it will either. We can pretty much guarantee he is Mr. everything at Michigan. #1 C, #1 PP and #1 PK. While he is doing that he can probably keep most of the weight he gains this summer and in fact more than likely add onto it without the grind of 70+ professional games.
You play less games because you're attending classes throughout the week. I don't think gaining weight at Michigan vs Grand Rapids is all that different. I mean GR doesn't play much throughout the week anyway. Keeping weight on throughout a longer season is a little more difficult but I don't think it's a large factor. I think he should go pro tbh
I just want him to play wherever he will develop the most. Whatever it takes, we really need to develop him into a 1C. It would do wonders for this franchise. I'm assuming the front office will decide what's best for his future, which I have no qualms with at all.
WesNichols14
Registered User
My friend is cousins with a few former college players. and when I asked what they did between game days. they all told me conditioning and weights are huge in college. I would assume its because its a focus on most of there other sports during the week days so it just blended in.
Lol. There's no chance he gets more ice time as the #1C for Michigan in their 35-40 games than he would playing in the top 6 for Grand Rapids in their 80 games.
And yes, there was definitely talk of fast tracking Larkin prior to his season.
One element that would be far easier for him in Grand Rapids is the weight room. He would not be stuck dealing with 15 hours of class each week and 15 hours studying for said classes. 30 hours is a significant portion of the waking hours of a week.
He hardly needs to "bulk up" he's 6'1 and 190-195 and already really fast. He doesn't need to add much weight for the pros if any to compete. He'll naturally add more as he turns 20-22 years old.
Yeah, the people that aren't currently seeking an unspecified liberal arts degree and don't have plans to go pro in hockey. Nothing in his profile fits the average.
I'm not trying to be a hardass or anything, but there's very few high end college athletes that actually study 15 hours a week. It's been documented to death by critics of the NCAA. Here, let John Oliver take you through details of what a joke the education many of these athletes receive is.
Let me put it this way, if Larkin actually studies 240 hours as semester (over 2 hours a day, every single day), I'll eat all the hats left over from the season. And if he does, holy hell, I love the kid even more. But knowing the practice schedule for these players and the pressure to make good on his bluechip prospect status that could yield a career of millions and millions of dollars...
I'm not sure Marketing 101 would be at the top of my to do list.
TCNorthstars
Registered User
It wasn't at Michigan, but I had an advanced composition class in college with the athletes. It entailed watching a movie per week and writing a one page paper report on the movie. It was glorious!
WingedWheel1987
Registered User
South Park really nailed how worthless college degrees are for "student athletes." Players who are clearly on a path towards playing in a North American pro sports league have a very different college experience.
He would play a top 6 role in GR and get tons of ice time in all situations. He's already dominated in college. I don't see what he gains by going back to Michigan. He's definitely ready for the AHL.
I went to college with many D1 athletes, most spent around 15-20 hours a week studying. Sure there were some that didn't play school and there were some in actual difficult majors that did more. For the most part, athletes (that play sports that travel often) spend more time outside of class, working on those classes, than they actually do in class.
Everyone is aware that some schools have many very easy classes for athletes. Including some prestigious institutions. That doesn't mean it's that way for every student at every school.
