Alex DeBrincat has been linked to the Detroit Red Wings since hitting the trading block, and now it seems that a move could come to fruition.
Alex DeBrincat has made it known that he does not wish to sign a long-term extension with the Ottawa Senators. With the now-restricted free agent eligible for unrestricted free agency next summer, the Senators are naturally preparing to move him. The Red Wings are reportedly one of the teams on his list of preferred destinations, and the DeBrincat to Detroit rumor is picking up some serious steam.
Prominent NHL insider Jeff Marek recently said on the 32 Thoughts podcast that he does not see this situation ending in any other way than DeBrincat landing with the Red Wings. Fellow big-name insider Elliote Friedman also chimed in, agreeing with Marek's opinion. Friedman also noted, however, that Red Wings general manager (GM) Steve Yzerman is not crazy about the term, and it could be a possible snag in this potential move.
The Red Wings could use the hometown kid, Alex DeBrincat, in Detroit
When looking at Detroit's current situation, it is clear that they could use a star forward like DeBrincat. Although they are heading in the right direction with their rebuild, they lack that elite goal-scorer to finally take that next step and genuinely compete. With DeBrincat, a Michigan native, being open to playing there, it makes sense that the Red Wings are considering acquiring the 5-foot-7 sniper.
If they acquired DeBrincat, he would be an immediate fit on their first line with star center Dylan Larkin. He would also become one of their most important weapons on their power play because of his fantastic goal-scoring ability.
In 82 games played during the 2022-23 season with the Senators, DeBrincat posted 27 goals to go along with 66 points. Adding that kind of production to the lineup would be extremely beneficial for the Red Wings, so we will need to wait and see if they pull the trigger on this potential blockbuster. Yet, when noting that two well-informed insiders like Marek and Friedman are reporting a major development like this, it certainly seems quite possible that DeBrincat will be Detroit bound.
