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DETROIT, MICHIGAN – JANUARY 12: Dylan Larkin #71 of the Detroit Red Wings plays against the Carolina Hurricanes at Little Caesars Arena on January 12, 2026 in Detroit, Michigan. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images)
The Detroit Red Wings are having an incredible season. Fresh off a 2-0 shutout against the Colorado Avalanche, Detroit sits second in a highly-competitive Atlantic division with 57 games under their belts. Leading the charge is captain Dylan Larkin, who is on pace for the best season of his career with 50 points in 57 games.
In preparation of his Olympic debut, Larkin has partnered with Charmin Ultra Strong to turn hockey’s iconic power play into a new metaphor this season.
Heavy Sports writer Jake Rivard sat down with Larkin to discuss the Red Wings, Team USA, and his partnership with Charmin.
Red Wings’ Dylan Larkin on Partnership, 2025-26 Season
J:Â So, Dylan, what drew you to this partnership with Charmin?
D: It’s such a great product and something I’ve used my whole life. I was so honored when they offered the spot to me. The campaign has so many ties to hockey with the diamond weave texture and the three mean weave and so on. I like to think of myself as a strong person and I strive to be ultra strong.
J: This season has been such a great journey for fans and I hope it’s been the same for you. What do you attribute the success to?
D: I mean, it’s just like you said, a journey. It’s not even this year, either. It’s last year with Todd (McLellan) taking over the team and instilling confidence in our group. He showed us how winning hockey looks. I’d throw a lot of credit in Todd’s corner as to why the team is having success. Same to Steve (Yzerman) too, getting us Gibson and how well he’s played for us. These last 22 games he’s been on fire.
J: Every hockey player has their routine before game time. What’s yours?
D: I like to start my afternoon with a nap. I’ll probably crash an hour, two hours, then I get up and shower and grab coffee and make my way to the rink. Usually with the coffee I have to go to the bathroom [laughs]. Performance starts before I ever hit the ice. Charmin Ultra Strong is part of my 2-minute power play prep—it gives me strength, reliability, and helps me focus fully on the game ahead.
After I’m done with my business, I start with two puck (stick handling drill) and do my whole warmup on the ice. I like to run the warmups and get all the guys ready to go. Then, from there, the game starts.
Larkin on Olympics, Team USA
J: You were a huge factor in last year’s Four Nations Faceoff, scoring a huge goal against Jordan Binnington. What was it like playing with different players than your typical line mates? Did you have to make any adjustments to your game?
D: I think the biggest adjustment was playing on the wing for a little bit. You don’t have as many responsibilities defensively but you have more responsibility to open up space for other guys on the ice and get to the net. We tried to keep things as fast as we can.
J:Â Last question, Dylan: if you could bring anyone back with you from this Olympic roster to join you on the Red Wings, who would you pick and why?
D: Can I take them all? [laughs]. No, I’d probably say Zach Werenski. He’s one of my best friends. We grew up playing together. You know, he was my roommate at Michigan, I was in his wedding…he’s just such a special player. He’s a real force with how big he is and how well he can skate. He truly dominates as a defenseman.
Dylan Larkin makes his Team USA Olympic debut on February 12 against Team Latvia.
Jake Rivard Jake Rivard (@313Hockey) has covered the Detroit Red Wings for AP, 313 Hockey, Winging it in Motown, Last Word on Sports, and The Hockey. Joined by his cat Jimmy, Jake has made it his goal to spread the word of Hockeytown from sea to shining sea. More about Jake Rivard
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