Dylan Larkin, Michigan Pride, and a New Olympic Linemate to Watch
MILAN - Dylan Larkin has spent plenty of nights trying to contain Tage Thompson. Now, for once, he's thrilled to have him on his side.
The Detroit Red Wings captain is settling into Olympic life in Milan, where Team USA is gearing up for its opening game of the 2026 Winter Olympics against Latvia. Larkin, who’s been paired with Thompson in early line combinations, is embracing the chance to play alongside a guy who’s been a consistent headache for his NHL club.
“He’s given us so many fits in Detroit with the way he hangs on to pucks and makes plays and then the way he can shoot it,” Larkin said. “So both the guys that I was with today, it’s just get to the net, get them the puck and use my speed around the boards.”
That’s the kind of chemistry Larkin is hoping to build quickly as Team USA begins its Olympic campaign. Thompson, the towering 6-foot-6 winger from the Buffalo Sabres, has quietly dominated the Red Wings over the years, with 13 goals and 12 assists in 21 career games against Detroit. Now, Larkin’s looking forward to seeing that production work for him instead of against him.
Thompson brings a unique skill set to the U.S. roster - size, a lethal shot, and an ability to control the puck in tight spaces. He wasn’t part of the Four Nations tournament, but Larkin believes he could be the kind of X-factor that pushes this team to another level.
The Americans hit the ice Monday at Santagiulia Hockey Arena for a high-energy hour-long practice following a team photoshoot. The jet lag from the long trip to Italy is starting to wear off, and Larkin looked more comfortable skating alongside familiar faces - especially those with deep Michigan ties.
After the team photo, Larkin gravitated toward a group that included former University of Michigan teammates Quinn Hughes, Zach Werenski, and Kyle Connor. Connor skated on Larkin’s line during practice, giving a distinctly maize-and-blue flavor to the red, white, and blue.
That’s not even counting Connor Hellebuyck, another Michigan native, or the Hughes brothers - Quinn and Jack - who grew up in Canton even if they weren’t born in the state.
“It’s huge for the state,” Larkin said. “I hope fans in Michigan and our Red Wings fans know that I’m from Michigan. And I hope our fans can rally around Zach and Kyle and the Hughes’ and Hellebuyck.”
For Larkin, this tournament is more than just a shot at Olympic gold. It’s a celebration of shared roots, a reunion with old teammates, and a chance to represent Michigan - and the U.S. - on the world stage.
There’s a lot of talent on this roster, and plenty of storylines to follow. But if the early line combinations hold, the Larkin-Thompson pairing could be one of the most intriguing.
Detroit fans know all too well what Thompson can do. Now, they’ll get to cheer him on - at least for the next two weeks.