If you clicked on this wondering if the Detroit Red Wings are about to trade Alex DeBrincat this offseason, let’s cut right to the chase: NHL Insider Elliotte Friedman doesn’t see it happening, even if General Manager Steve Yzerman decides it’s time to shake up the roster after another agonizingly close playoff miss.
Speaking on Sportsnet 590 The FAN’s Hockey Show, Friedman made it clear that while he never rules anything out in the NHL, moving a reliable, elite goal scorer like DeBrincat is highly unlikely. Why? Because players who can tally 39 goals in a single season don’t grow on trees, and replacing that kind of elite, top-line production is nearly impossible in today’s league.
But that doesn’t mean the 28-year-old sniper’s situation in Hockeytown is completely free of drama. DeBrincat has exactly one year remaining on his current deal, carrying an average annual value (AAV) of $7.875 million. He becomes eligible to sign a massive contract extension on July 1, and that is where the real intrigue begins for the Red Wings front office.
Evaluating Alex DeBrincat’s Future and Looming Contract Extension
As an NHL analyst, I’ve watched DeBrincat’s trajectory closely. My take? The Detroit Red Wings are Alex DeBrincat’s hometown team. He was absolutely thrilled to join them three years ago and has been among their absolute best players night in and night out. Despite the Wings’ recent difficulties pushing into the postseason, all personal insight and locker room body language point to him preferring to stay right where he is. He wants to be part of the solution in Michigan.
However, loyalty only goes so far when franchise-altering money is on the line. What could raise serious questions about DeBrincat’s future in Detroit isn’t his desire to stay, but rather what he will seek on his next contract and for how long. He is poised to reach the 40-goal plateau for the third time in his nine-year NHL career, and notably, the very first time doing it as a Red Wing.
Why the Detroit Red Wings Need to Proceed with Caution
Goal scorers get paid, plain and simple. The rumblings around the league suggest DeBrincat and his camp could seek a massive seven-term extension worth north of $11 million annually. Can the Detroit Red Wings afford that? Technically, yes. The Wings are projected to have the cap space beyond next season to accommodate a blockbuster deal.
However, management must also ensure they maintain sufficient cap flexibility to re-sign key restricted free agents and add the necessary depth pieces to finally push this roster over the hump. Tying up over $11 million in one winger is a massive commitment. It’s a delicate balancing act, but you don’t let a prime 40-goal scorer walk out the door. Expect negotiations to be a grueling chess match this summer.
Alex DeBrincat Career NHL Stats
| Type | GP | G | A | P | +/- |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Regular Season | 691 | 292 | 299 | 591 | -48 |
| Playoffs | 9 | 2 | 4 | 6 | 4 |
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The post Will the Detroit Red Wings Trade Alex DeBrincat This Offseason? appeared first on NHL Trade Rumors.
