Detroit Hockey Now’s Kevin Allen discusses how the Red Wings might assuage the loss of Dylan Larkin’s goal-scoring in a meaningful manner:
The Detroit Red Wings finished 22nd in the NHL in goal production last season and their fourth- and fifth-leading scorers Patrick Kane and James van Riemsdyk are not returning.
And their No. 2 scorer Dylan Larkin has his bags packed.
If the Red Wings do trade Larkin, that’s 27.1% of their offense gone. The addition of Viktor Arvidsson recoups 20 to 25 goals. That still leaves Detroit roughly 40 goals short of last season. The possibility of the Red Wings being weaker offensively this season than last season is scary to the point that outgoing GM Steve Yzerman told perspective Larkin suitors that he needed players who can help now and not draft picks and prospects.
If the Red Wings lose Larkin and don’t land more scoring, their chances of qualifying for the playoffs are slim. Much of their offense ran through Larkin and Kane.
As such:
Larkin is one of three active centers to score 30-plus goals for five consecutive seasons. If his goals remain with the team, suddenly the Red Wings’ projection is 230.
Then improved scoring would come down to improvement from the younger players. Could Michael Brandsegg-Nygard and Marco Kasper net 15 goals each? That’s certainly a ‘yes’ for Kasper if he plays in the Top Six. Let’s not forget Kasper scored 19 goals as a rookie. Emmitt Finnie scored 13 goals last season and it’s hard to know what his ceiling is for his sophomore season.
Carter Mazur could score 10 or more goals playing on the third line, especially if Nate Danielson is his center. Danielson’s ability to contribute offense could be one of Detroit’s X factors.
The only known truth is the Red Wings must have much go their way to be able to score enough goals to be a playoff factor.
And that’s why the Red Wings need to acquire something tangible for Larkin. Period. If it takes a 3-way trade or a 5-way trade or a 25-way trade, the Wings need present-day help to come their way when they bid Larkin adieu.
