Michigan’s Dylan Larkin has signed with the Detroit Red Wings, giving up his final three seasons of collegiate eligibility after a 47-point rookie season.
Larkin was a first-round pick of the Red Wings in the 2014 NHL Entry Draft, going 15th overall.
He’s scheduled to join Detroit’s AHL affiliate, the Grand Rapids Griffins, for the Western Conference finals against Utica starting Sunday.
The Waterford, Mich., native scored 15 goals and was second to Hobey Baker Award winner Jack Eichel in scoring by a freshman.
“My year at Michigan has been the best year of my life, the most fun year of hockey I’ve ever had,” Larkin said in a statement released by the school. “Going to one of the best universities in the world and having fun with my classmates, it will be tough missing out on what they’re going to accomplish. On the other note, I have a chance to live out the dream of my life and I’m really excited about it. I think it’s a great opportunity. I really feel like I’m ready for this challenge.”
Larkin was a second-team All-American and a first-team all-Big Ten selection.
He played for the United States in both the World Junior Championship and the World Championships, earning a bronze medal in the latter earlier this month.
“In Dylan’s year with Michigan, he proved to be one of most talented players in college hockey,” Michigan coach Red Berenson said. “We knew this was a tough decision for Dylan but we also anticipated that this might happen. I hope that Dylan continues on a path to graduate from the university while preparing for a long career in the National Hockey League.”
