Larry Keenan, a 21‑year‑old defenseman drafted 117th overall in the 2023 NHL Draft, has quickly risen to become the No. 17 prospect in the Detroit Red Wings organization. Standing 6‑4 and weighing 206 pounds, he is entering his third season at the University of Massachusetts Amherst, where he has already begun to make his mark on the ice.
In January of his sophomore year, Keenan contributed a goal and an assist in a 3‑2 victory over Northeastern, showcasing his ability to impact the game in crucial moments. His development has been recognized by the Hockey East, as he was named to the All‑Hockey East Second‑Team for the 2025‑26 season, a nod to his doubled offensive output and consistent play.
College Achievements and Accolades
That season he posted eight goals and a plus‑eight rating, effectively doubling his scoring from the previous year while demonstrating sharper offensive vision compared to his freshman campaign. The recognition underscores his growth as a two‑way defenseman capable of contributing offensively.
Coach Greg Carvel, who leads the Minutemen, described Keenan as ‘unbelievable’ and noted that the player’s performance has been ‘quietly and unassumingly outstanding,’ highlighting the subtle yet significant contributions he makes on both ends of the rink.
Adding to his pedigree, Keenan’s grandfather logged 234 NHL games with the St. Louis Blues, Buffalo Sabres, and Philadelphia Flyers, providing a clear lineage of professional hockey experience that has clearly influenced his development.
On the ice, Keenan combines NHL‑caliber skating with a strong offensive toolbox that includes adept puck handling, a powerful shot, and the ability to skate the puck out of his zone and generate scoring chances from the blue line.
While his skill set positions him to compete as a three‑zone defenseman in the NHL, he still faces a challenging path, needing to refine both his offensive and defensive aspects to break into the lineup ahead of established players such as Axel Sandin‑Pellikka and Anton Johansson.
The Red Wings organization expects Keenan to sign his entry‑level contract, complete his junior season with the Grand Rapids Griffins, and then push for a roster spot in the 2026‑27 campaign, a trajectory that could see him transition from college standout to NHL contributor.