Dylan Larkin isn't done being a hero for the Detroit Red Wings just yet.
The now-former captain of the Red Wings made his season debut against the Ottawa Senators, and emotions were high. Boos rained down on Larkin from his first shift as fans berated him over a trade request made over the summer.
But Larkin slowly began winning the crowd back over with a performance that reminded everyone how important he is to the Red Wings.
With the game tied 1-1 late in the first, Larkin found the back of the net from the slot after a pretty passing play to put the Red Wings in front. Suddenly the boos were gone and replaced by cheers as Larkin waved to his daughter in the crowd and led a handshake line past the bench.
Larkin kept things going in the second period when he picked up an assist on the power play after his shot rebounded onto Viktor Arvidsson's stick to put the Red Wings up 3-1.
He then showed some leadership at the end of the frame by sticking up for teammate Alex DeBrincat after a late hit from Ridly Greig as the buzzer sounded. Larkin skated the length of the ice to engage with Greig, igniting a line brawl and earning a roughing penalty for his efforts.
As Larkin skated off the ice, Senators enforcer Nick Cousins was seen taunting him about losing the captaincy while pointing at his chest. Larkin chirped him back before heading to the locker room.
In all, Larkin finished with one goal, two points and four shots while skating over 20 minutes of ice time, trailing only Moritz Seider on the team. The Red Wings won the game 5-3, and Larkin was named the first star of the game. He received mostly cheers from the crowd as he came out for one final salute.
"I'm trying to be a man and face it. I understand why that's happening," Larkin said of the boos after the game. "But like I said at the start of the season, I was going to try to show up with my play and it was nice to show up there with the guys and get a win."
"I thought Dylan handled himself very well," head coach Todd McLellan added. "He played with his heart on his sleeve, which is a real good thing for him... It was a team win and Dylan did what Dylan needed to do."
Overall, the game was a reminder of the impact Larkin can still have for the only team he's ever known. And until a trade can be found, the Red Wings and Larkin will both have to make the most of this odd situation.
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