Dylan Larkin Anchors Team USA’s Third Line as Olympic Hockey Ramps Up
As Team USA hit the ice for its first practice ahead of the Olympic hockey tournament, there was a familiar face holding down the middle of the third line: Detroit Red Wings captain Dylan Larkin. And for those who’ve followed his steady, two-way game over the years, it’s no surprise.
Larkin opened camp centering a line flanked by New Jersey’s Jack Hughes and Buffalo’s Tage Thompson-two high-skill wingers with serious offensive upside. It’s a trio that blends speed, creativity, and defensive responsibility, and if the chemistry clicks, it could be one of the sneakiest lines in the tournament.
The Americans are set to open play Thursday at 3 p.m. ET against Latvia, a team that includes Grand Rapids Griffins forward Eduards Tralmaks. It’s a full-circle moment for the Red Wings organization, with both Larkin and Tralmaks representing their countries on Olympic ice.
Up top, Team USA is rolling out a loaded top six. Auston Matthews is the No. 1 center, skating with Minnesota’s Matt Boldy and Tampa Bay’s Jake Guentzel.
That’s a line built to score in bunches. The second unit isn’t far behind, with Jack Eichel centering the Tkachuk brothers-Brady from Ottawa and Matthew from Florida.
That’s a heavy, skilled line that can wear down opponents and still light the lamp.
Larkin’s current role may not come with top-line billing, but it’s one he’s embraced-and thrived in. At last year’s 4 Nations Face-Off, he was a standout in a bottom-six role, bringing energy, pace, and smart defensive play. That performance helped solidify his place on this Olympic roster, even if he had initially pictured himself in a different spot.
Earlier this season, Larkin acknowledged he might have to shift to the wing or play in a more supporting role if he made the team. He was ready for that.
His mindset? Do the dirty work, play with pace, and make life easier for his linemates.
“I would probably try and play like Emmett Finnie and be a good supporting player and someone that digs pucks and gets them to guys and goes to the hard areas,” Larkin said. “He’s a special player, special guy.”
That kind of self-awareness and team-first mentality is exactly what coaches love in Olympic tournament play, where roles shift quickly and depth often decides medals.
At the team’s first skate, there were some familiar combinations from the 4 Nations tournament. The top-six forward group and defensive pairs were largely intact, while the bottom six remains a work in progress.
Jack Hughes, who missed time earlier this season, is fully cleared and skating. Charlie McAvoy is also a go, though he’s wearing a full shield.
Red Wings & Griffins: Olympic Ties Run Deep
The Red Wings and their AHL affiliate, the Grand Rapids Griffins, have a rich Olympic history. From medal winners to trailblazers, the organization has long had a footprint on the international stage.
Back in 1955, John Utendale made history as the first Black player to sign an NHL contract-doing so with the Red Wings. It’s a legacy that still resonates today.
Meanwhile, in Grand Rapids, goalie Sebastian Cossa continues to turn heads, picking up another key win for the Griffins as he develops into a potential future starter for Detroit.
Czech Connections: A Red Wings Alum Behind the Bench
There’s a Red Wings connection behind the Czechia Olympic squad as well. Jiri Slegr, who had a brief stint in Detroit during the 2001-02 season, is now the general manager of the Czech national team. Slegr played 677 NHL games as a defenseman from 1997 to 2006 and has been building this Czech roster for the past two years.
Detroit fans might remember the trade that brought Slegr to town-then-GM Ken Holland moved prospect Yuri Butsayev and a third-round pick to acquire him. Now, Slegr’s hockey journey has come full circle as he leads his national team into Olympic competition.
Around the Rink
In other Olympic news, Boston Bruins defenseman Charlie McAvoy has been named an alternate captain for Team USA, while his teammate David Pastrnak will wear an “A” for Czechia. Two stars, two leaders, and two countries counting on them to make a difference when it matters most.
The Olympic puck drop is just days away, and with Larkin and other NHL stars gearing up, Team USA looks poised to make a serious run. Don’t sleep on that third line-Larkin and company might just be the X-factor.