A shared love for the maize and blue is one of the many things that Copp and Larkin have in common. They are also southeast Michigan natives, were teammates in the 2014-15 season at the University of Michigan and are left-shooting centermen with the Detroit Red Wings.
And perhaps most importantly, Larkin and Copp both know success in the NHL doesn't come easy.
"In terms of hockey, dedication in this sport and the work that it takes, we think the same way," Copp said on Oct. 22. "Larkin is a guy who I got to see in the summer and then once a year when we played against each other, but to be back on the same team now, especially here, it's been good."
Selected in the fourth round (104th overall) by the Winnipeg Jets in the 2013 NHL Entry Draft, Copp finished last season with career-highs in goals (21), assists (32), points (53) and average time on ice (19:11) in 72 games with the Jets and New York Rangers.
Copp said when he was considering free-agency destinations this past offseason, Larkin "always hinted at getting me to come home."
"Getting to play for your hometown team is really rare in this league," said Copp,
who signed a five-year contract with the Red Wings on July 13.
"I'm just fortunate to be able to be one of those guys who gets to do it for a few years here while being around friends and family the whole year instead of only a few months in the summer."
The 26-year-old Larkin, who was Detroit's 15th overall pick in 2014, said it's special to reunite with a close friend in Copp.
"I've only had two captains in my entire career: him and Henrik Zetterberg," Larkin said to Bally Sports Detroit on Sept. 23. "I do take a lot from him and even the culture of Michigan hockey and college hockey, itself."