Credit: Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sport

Whether the move was simply a kind gesture from head coach Jeff Blashill to one of his players, or a move from the upper offices of US hockey is unknown, but whatever the case, Dylan Larkin will be wearing an “A” on his jersey for the World Championships.

He is not currently an alternate captain for the Detroit Red Wings.

Connor Murphy will take the captaincy, while Brock Nelson will share the same role as Larkin.

USA’s roster is led by Jack Eichel, Johnny Gaudreau, Jacob Trouba and uh… Noah Hanifin? Anders Lee? JT Compher?

Larkin will be joined by teammates Jimmy Howard and Danny DeKeyser on the roster.

Another key reason why he likely was awarded with the letter is the fact that this will be Larkin’s third consecutive year going to the World Championships. Last year, he managed 9 points in 10 games, while the previous year (before his NHL debut), he posted one assist in 10 games.

The Americans get their first game underway at 2 p.m. ET this Friday, where they face off against the German team. Sweden and Russia provide the biggest test in the preliminary round, while matchups against Denmark, Italy, Latvia, Slovakia and the first game against the Germans should be much easier to deal with. (That being said, they may lose a squeaker. Who really knows at these events, anyway?).