The Daily: NHL.com Sees Kane, Larkin Playing for USA; Pens Bets Paying Off

With the naming of Olympic teams only two months away, NHL.com is projecting Red Wings forwards Dylan Larkin and Patrick Kane will be on the U.S. squad.

The teams will be named Jan. 1, and NHL players will play in the Olympics for the first time since 2014. Larkin was considered a favorite because of his strong play for the USA at the Four Nations tournament last spring. His impressive start reinforces that. Meanwhile, Kane, mostly because of age and injury history, is considered an on-the-bubble selection.

He is currently out of the lineup with an upper-body injury, but there’s some hope he will return to the lineup on the West Coast road trip. Kane, 36, looked good in the early going (five points in five games).

Would this projected roster bring USA all the way at the #MilanoCortina #Olympics? 🇺🇸

Read more: https://t.co/4RnLCLStRc pic.twitter.com/ateryp10cV

— NHL (@NHL) October 29, 2025

The only question about Larkin is whether he might be awarded an expanded role on this year’s team. He had checking responsibilities in the Four Nations Faceoff. This season, he has been a greater offensive force over the first 10 games. Larkin has 16 points in those 10 games, making him the fourth Detroit player to register that many points in the first 10 games of a season.

He’s in elite company. The others on the list:  Henrik Zetterberg (2007-08), Sergei Fedorov (1993-94), Steve Yzerman (three times between 1984-90), and Gordie Howe (1968-69).

The Olympics, which will be held in Milan and Cortina, Italy, will begin Feb. 6 with the Opening Ceremonies.

Red Wings In Case You Missed It

History says a Red Wings team that starts 7-3 will make the NHL Playoffs.

Detroit players are putting up the points, even goalies John Gibson and Cam Talbot

Detroit prospect Carter Mazur has suffered another injury, this one coming in a practice.

Red Wings Extra

Former Detroit defenseman Jeff Petry has two assists and is minus-5 in 11 games for the Florida Panthers this season. He is averaging 14:47 minutes per game, but he has played 12:59, 14:46, 13:19, and 11:45 in his four games. Meanwhile, ex-Red Wings goalie Petr Mrazek has played two games in net for the Anaheim Ducks, and he owns a 5.52 GA and .831 save percentage.

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