"It would be cool to see the winged wheel on your chest, then to see Steve Yzerman, [Nicklas] Lidstrom, [Henrik] Zetterberg; it's a small group of people who get to do that. It's an honor," the 22-year-old center told The Athletic in remarks published Tuesday. "It's not something that's given, not something that just by where you're from and a couple seasons is going to get you. It's about the person and what you do for the team in big moments. I would be lying if I wasn't going to say it'd be pretty cool."
Zetterberg, who turns 38 on Oct. 9, has been Red Wings captain since the 2012-13 season, following Lidstrom's retirement after 2011-12. It's uncertain Zetterberg, a forward, will play this season because of a lingering back injury.
"He hasn't been able to train anywhere near close to where he's been able to train in past summers due to his back," general manager Ken Holland told the Red Wings website Aug. 10, when Larkin signed a five-year, $30.5 million contract. "So there is a real unknown right now with Henrik Zetterberg."
If Zetterberg is unable to play, Larkin said he knows he will have to accelerate his leadership role with the Red Wings.
"I'm going to say first, it's not wearing a letter," he said. "Even last year, I was trying to grow as a leader on the team. I have to take a couple more steps."
Larkin, who is from Waterford, Michigan and played at the University of Michigan, was selected in the first round (No. 15) by the Red Wings in the 2014 NHL Draft. He had 45 points (23 goals, 22 assists) as a rookie in 2015-16 before dropping to 32 points (17 goals, 15 assists) in 2016-17. He had 63 points (16 goals, 47 assists) last season.
