Detroit Red Wings: The Alex DeBrincat trade talks remain scorching hot

It’s been a week since we posted anything about Farmington Hills native Alex DeBrincat, and how he’d be a perfect fit for the Detroit Red Wings, so I thought we’d better stay on top of this one.

First off, it’s officially ‘silly’ season in the NHL; don’t get deceived by fake social media accounts posting fake rumors from fake sources, etc. And, yes, I am fully aware of what we are (a blog), but we pride ourselves on sourcing everything from Detroit Red Wings beat writers and the Elliotte Friedman’s (and ones alike) of the world.

Speaking of Elliotte Friedman, he and Jeff Marek of Sportsnet had a few interesting things to say in their most recent 32 Thoughts episode. Check out what the pair said about the Detroit Red Wings and disgruntled Ottawa Senators forward Alex DeBrincat. Ryan Hana of Winged Wheel Podcast pointed out that Elliotte spoke about a potential snag between Yzerman and DeBrincat. DeBrincat is looking for an eight-year extension, and Yzerman isn’t too fond of those lengthy deals. Yzerman did sign Dylan Larkin to an eight-year extension. The fact that Larkin is the captain of the Detroit Red Wings, nearly a point-per-game centerman, and a native of Waterford, Michigan, certainly all played into the decision.

The Detroit Red Wings need to add a player like Alex DeBrincat this summer.

Marek mentioning that he doesn’t see how this ends up any other way than DeBrincat landing in Detroit is a positive to take away. It’s officially year five of the ‘new’ Detroit Red Wings rebuild, and it’s time we see this organization make real strides in the Atlantic Division. Adding a player like DeBrincat is vital, and the opportunity to add a two-time 41-goal scorer 25 years old or younger doesn’t occur very often.

DeBrincat has made it clear he is not interested in signing a long-term deal with Ottawa and wants to be traded; it was reminiscent of Matthew Tkachuk and Calgary last summer. DeBrincat’s agent, Jeff Jackson, is believed to be working with the Senators to try and find a new home for the scoring winger. It’s been reported that DeBrincat has submitted a list of five teams he’d be willing to sign an extension with; Detroit, Florida, Dallas, Vegas, and Nashville; a couple can be removed immediately. Neither Vegas nor Florida will financially be able to sign the 25-year-old winger to a long-term deal expected to average about $9 million annually.

Earlier this month, TSN’s Chris Johnston reported that Ottawa prefers to get a trade done sometime in June, before or during the NHL Draft.

As things continue to drag out, there is a chance the Detroit Red Wings will have an opportunity to land DeBrincat for pennies on the dollar.

https://twitter.com/OctopusThrower_/status/1673711665588629505?s=20

The Detroit Red Wings desperately need to add a top-end scorer; DeBrincat has amassed 187 goals and 373 points over 450 career games. He’s coming off a solid season in Ottawa, where he totaled 27 goals and 66 points in 82 games.

With the draft just a day away, look for the DeBrincat chatter to intensify. The Senators do not have a draft pick in the first three rounds of the 2023 NHL Entry Level Draft. The Detroit Red Wings sit with two first-round selections ( No. 9, 17) and three consecutive second-round (No. 41, 42, 43) choices. Making a significant trade within the division is usually less than ideal. Still, Yzerman and the Detroit Red Wings have the capital and pool of prospects to make a blockbuster deal, and it is something they should strongly consider.