The latest update on Dylan Larkin has been released

For anyone who was questioning the eight year contract that Detroit Red Wings general manager Steve Yzerman awarded Dylan Larkin just over one year ago today, those people have effectively been silenced upon viewing what Larkin's absence from the Red Wings lineup has wrought. 

Without Larkin, the Red Wings have dropped six of their last seven games. That came on the heels of their having lost two straight at home with Larkin skating. Detroit is now in desperation mode to not only start putting wins together, but to simply keep pace with the teams who have caught up to them in the standings, and in the case of the Washington Capitals, passed them.

Larkin was on the ice this morning at Little Caesars Arena for the morning skate, but according to head coach Derek Lalonde, he won't be playing tonight against the Columbus Blue Jackets. And when asked if Larkin would potentially be available for Thursday's game against the New York Islanders, which is suddenly a monumental matchup for both teams, it didn't sound promising. 

“Don’t know yet,” Lalonde said of Larkin's prospects of playing Thursday. “I wouldn’t put him in that day to day yet.

“I think Thursday might be a little aggressive but it’s progressed pretty well each day."

With 26 goals and 28 assists on the season, Larkin was on a point per game pace prior to his injury that he suffered on February 29 against the Florida Panthers, a 4-0 setback in Detroit. His 54 points are good for second overall on the team; he was overtaken by Lucas Raymond for the team point lead. 

“Obviously, a positive that he skated,” Lalonde said. “We’ll get a full practice with him tomorrow and have a better feel.”

As of right now, the Islanders trail the Red Wings in the Eastern Conference standings by a single point. The playoff race, which has suddenly gotten much tighter thanks to Detroit's slide, will almost certainly be coming down to the final days of the regular season to decide which teams will get the Wild Card spots.

Larkin's eventual return to the lineup is desperately needed before it's too late for Detroit. 

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