Larkin Is Mr. Popularity on the USA Hockey Team

When NBC was teasing the Slovakia-USA men’s hockey semifinal earlier today, the voiceover didn’t talk about Jack Eichel or Auston Matthews or Quinn Hughes.

It was about Dylan Larkin.

There’s been a buzz about Larkin’s blue-collar work ethic since USA’s first game. With his 25-5 faceoff record and his work on the Americans’ 10-for-10 penalty killing efficiency, Larkin is the All-American boy of this team.  He’s does a thankless job without complaint.

Dylan Larkin is a heart-and-soul guy for every team he plays on. His USA teammates all gush about him showing up as a big game player.

You can see why, as he details the emotional rollercoaster of the 2-1 OT quarterfinal win against Sweden.https://t.co/rijhVpEvH4

— Emily Kaplan (@emilymkaplan) February 19, 2026

“Larks has done a great job of what we’ve asked of him,” U.S. coach Mike Sullivan said. “And whatever we ask him he embraces.”

In interviews, Larkin has made it clear he is proud to wear the USA jersey. Having been a member of the U.S. National Team Development Program, he has been playing for his country since he was a teenager.

Dylan Larkin's reaction to the Quinn Hughes goal is incredible pic.twitter.com/uRptAbjY2u

— Jonny Lazarus (@JLazzy23) February 19, 2026

Hughes Connection

Larkin is very popular with this team, particularly players like Zach Werenski, Tkachuk brothers, the Hughes brothers and Jack Eichel. This is a close-knit American team.  There is a lasting bond between players that came through the U.S. development program, based in Michigan.

In an interview with NBC, Quinn Hughes talked about the respect he has for Larkin. Detroit Red Wings captain Larkin told NBC that he was thrilled that Jack and Quinn both assisted on his only goal at the Olympics. He said he was going to find the Hughes’ dad and give him a big hug.

“Larks has been like a little bit of an older brother mentor since I’ve known him,” Quinn Hughes said.

They met at a University of Michigan frat party. “I was a freshman, but he was awesome. . .I was 17.” Hughes recalled. “He must have been 20. Just a tremendous player, tremendous person and really close friend.”

What did he learn from Larkin? “I just follow from a big heart (as) Lark says,” Hughes said, “and he always tells me to pay it forward, and I think that’s a great message.”

Patrick Kane on Dylan Larkin 🇺🇸 pic.twitter.com/Fc7PClHVu5

— Detroit Red Wings (@DetroitRedWings) February 20, 2026