Dylan Larkin
A swift-skating hometown hero who became the beating heart and captain of the storied Detroit Red Wings franchise.
Born 1996 (age 30)·American ice hockey player·Birthday: July 30·Millennials
Biography
Born in Waterford, Michigan, Dylan Larkin's hockey journey is a story of local boy makes very, very good. His explosive speed and two-way intelligence were evident early, making him a standout with the U.S. National Team Development Program. Drafted by his beloved Red Wings in 2014, he didn't just join the team; he electrified it, making an immediate impact as a rookie. His ascent wasn't just about points, but about embodying the work ethic and pride of the 'Hockeytown' culture. In 2021, that commitment was cemented when he was named the 37th captain in franchise history, tasked with steering the iconic club out of a rebuild and back into contention. Larkin's game, built on a foundation of blistering pace and responsible play, represents the modern NHL center, and his leadership charts the course for Detroit's future.
Millennials
1981–1996
The first digital natives. Grew up with the internet, came of age during 9/11 and the 2008 crash. Highly educated, deeply indebted, slower to marry and buy houses. Redefined work, identity, and what it means to be an adult.
Dylan was born in 1996, placing them squarely in the Millennials. The events that shaped this generation — the internet revolution, 9/11, and the 2008 financial crisis — shaped the world they entered and the choices available to them.
#1 When Dylan Was Born
The biggest hits of 1996
#1 Movie
Independence Day
Best Picture
The English Patient
#1 TV Show
ER
Dylan's Life & Times
The world at every milestone
1996Born
Dolly the sheep cloned
Gas: $1.23/galHome: $99,700Min wage: $4.75/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"Macarena" — Los del RioBest Picture: The English Patient
2001Started school
September 11 attacks transform the world
Gas: $1.46/galHome: $126,400Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: George W. Bush"Hanging by a Moment" — LifehouseBest Picture: A Beautiful Mind
2009Became a teenager
Michael Jackson dies; Bitcoin created
Gas: $2.35/galHome: $148,500Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Barack Obama"Boom Boom Pow" — The Black Eyed PeasBest Picture: The Hurt Locker
2012Could drive
Curiosity rover lands on Mars; Sandy Hook shooting
Gas: $3.64/galHome: $143,200Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Barack Obama"Somebody That I Used to Know" — GotyeBest Picture: Argo
2014Could vote
Russia annexes Crimea; Ebola outbreak in West Africa
Gas: $3.37/galHome: $160,700Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Barack Obama"Happy" — Pharrell WilliamsBest Picture: Birdman
2017Turned 21
#MeToo movement; solar eclipse crosses the US
Gas: $2.42/galHome: $195,000Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Donald Trump"Shape of You" — Ed SheeranBest Picture: The Shape of Water
2026Turned 30
Gas: $3.91/galPresident: Donald Trump
Key Achievements
- Named captain of the Detroit Red Wings in 2021, becoming a central figure in the team's rebuild.
- Represented the United States at the IIHF World Championship, serving as team captain in 2018.
- Made the NHL All-Star Game in 2016, his rookie season, showcasing his immediate impact in the league.
- Scored his 100th career NHL goal in 2021, a milestone for the homegrown Red Wings star.
Did You Know?
He played college hockey for the University of Michigan for just one season before turning professional.
Larkin set a record at the 2016 NHL All-Star Game for the fastest skater, completing a lap in 13.172 seconds.
He grew up as a passionate Detroit Red Wings fan, making his draft selection by the team a dream come true.
“Wearing the 'C' for Detroit is the greatest honor of my career.”
