Dylan Larkin swears he doesn't feel any different.
Looking around the Red Wings dressing room, it's hard to believe him.
The 22-year-old forward begins the season with a letter on his jersey, and the team's opening night roster has five players making their NHL debut. Larkin is all of a sudden one of the veterans, and it shows.
"I'm just excited. I don't think about what's on - or not on - my jersey. I'm just trying to play my game and have fun doing it," Larkin said on Thursday.
The five players making their debut are the most for any NHL team in an opener since 1985-86, when the Red Wings trotted out six first-timers.
Larkin has been preparing and working for an increased leadership role, even before Henrik Zetterberg announced his retirement.
"I think experience, when you have it and play like it, and lead by example, we're all for one. We want to get back to where this organization and franchise needs to be," Larkin added.
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