Did last year go as planned for Dylan Larkin?
"Yeah, and a little bit more," he said with a laugh.
The 19-year old spent his freshman season at the University of Michigan scoring 15 goals and 47 points in 35 games. Larkin turned heads playing for Team USA at the World Junior Championships.
Then, he decided to leave Michigan sign a professional contract with the Red Wings.
"I wanted to be an All-American, and I was an All-American. Everything else from there was a bonus," Larkin told me at Red Wings training camp.
Now, he has his sights set on bigger goals.
"Ever since I was a little kid, I wanted to be the best player in the world. I think I'm not close to that, but it's where I want to be."
Larkin is the top prospect in Detroit's organization. Thanks to his progress, and injuries to Darren Helm and Pavel Datsyuk, the 2014 first round pick may find himself with the Red Wings sooner than anyone expected.
For a kid who grew up in Waterford watching the Red Wings at Joe Louis Arena, he's been learning as he goes. But maturity hasn't been a problem.
"I think that's what makes Dylan a pretty special guy," head coach Jeff Blashill said Thursday. "He has a big time maturity for his age."
Larkin made his preseason debut Tuesday night in Chicago. Ahead of his first game in a Red Wings uniform at home, he admitted he relied on other players for advice.
"It'll be pretty cool. Guys, talking to them a little bit, they say the first preseason game you're flying around and pretty nervous, but I'll try to be a pro about it," Larkin said.
Blashill, a Michigan native himself, knows how Larkin has handled early pressure.
"I think it's a great thing for him to be able to lace up in his hometown and play. I know he'll have lots of family here. I've met his family. They'll be loud and excited for him."
As for the all important question, will Larkin make the Red Wings opening night roster? I asked him to answer it himself.
"I hope so. Whatever happens, I still get to be a professional hockey player, and that's a dream come true. To be at the Joe and put on the winged wheel would be a special feeling."
He'll get that chance for the first time Thursday night.
Brad Galli is an anchor and reporter at WXYZ Detroit. Follow Brad on Twitter @BradGalli
