In the latest installment of Detroit Hockey Now's series assessing the prospects of the Detroit Red Wings, we focus on Larry Keenan, a defenseman who is making waves in his college hockey career at UMass-Amherst. Ranked as the 17th prospect for the Red Wings, Keenan's journey to the NHL is being closely monitored as fans and analysts alike speculate on his potential impact.
Keenan, who stands at an impressive 6 feet 4 inches and weighs 206 pounds, was selected 117th overall in the 2023 NHL Draft. Currently 21 years old, he is in his third season with the Minutemen, where he has begun to showcase the skills that may soon translate to professional play. His recent performances have garnered attention, particularly when he contributed a goal and an assist in a thrilling 3-2 victory against Northeastern last January. His coach, Greg Carvel, praised him by stating, "Quietly and unassumingly, he’s an unbelievable college hockey player," highlighting Keenan's potential to excel at higher levels.
Adding to his credentials, Keenan comes from a hockey lineage; his grandfather, also named Larry Keenan, played 234 games in the NHL for teams including the St. Louis Blues, Buffalo Sabres, and Philadelphia Flyers. This familial connection to the sport may serve as an inspiration as he navigates his own path toward the NHL.
Last season, Keenan's performance on the ice was noteworthy. He was named to the All-Hockey East Second Team after significantly increasing his goal tally from four to eight goals during the 2025-26 season, finishing the year with a plus-eight rating. His offensive vision has shown marked improvement compared to his earlier seasons, indicating a growing capability to contribute offensively while maintaining his defensive responsibilities.
Three key factors suggest that Keenan could make the leap to the NHL. Firstly, he possesses a versatile skill set that allows him to impact the game in all three zones. His skating ability is NHL-caliber, enabling him to transition effectively between offense and defense. Secondly, his offensive game is on the rise; he has demonstrated the ability to carry the puck out of his zone and has a powerful shot. Lastly, Keenan is adept at neutralizing threats in the defensive zone, showcasing a physical style of play that can disrupt opponents.
However, the competition for a spot on the Red Wings roster is fierce. The team boasts a promising group of young defensemen, including Axel Sandin-Pellikka and Anton Johansson, who are also vying for playing time. For Keenan to secure his place, he will need to continue enhancing both his offensive and defensive skills.
Looking ahead, Keenan is expected to complete his junior season before signing with the Red Wings. Following this, he is likely to spend time with the Grand Rapids Griffins, the Red Wings' AHL affiliate. Under the leadership of general manager Steve Yzerman, it is anticipated that Keenan could be competing for a spot on the NHL roster by the 2028-29 season. As the organization evolves, there may be opportunities for younger players like Keenan to showcase their talents at the highest level.
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