In November, Alex DeBrincat shared his thoughts on getting snubbed from orientation camp in August. "I did talk to (USA Hockey general manager Bill) Guerin," he said at the time. "We talked through some things. I know he had some tough decisions there. It's fine. I mean, it's just the summer camp. I told him I was going to do everything I can at the beginning of the season to make that team."
Without a doubt, that snub gave him fuel, and DeBrincat has routinely looked like one of the best players on the Detroit Red Wings all season. At times, DeBrincat has been the best player donning the Winged Wheel. He has been one of Detroit's most dangerous chess pieces on the power play, and he's been a go-to at even strength.
That versatility should have enticed Guerin to give DeBrincat a closer look. Yet when Team USA unveiled its roster on Friday morning, DeBrincat's name was absent.
The snub will leave DeBrincat off the roster and he'll stay stateside, watching teammate Dylan Larkin try to lead Team USA to a gold medal. It's a letdown, considering the season DeBrincat has enjoyed.
Alex DeBrincat would have been a tremendous asset for Team USA
Through 42 games, DeBrincat has 41 points and 21 goals. That puts him on pace for 80 points, including 42 goals. Both would be career highs. He hasn't reached 40 goals since his days with the Chicago Blackhawks, notching 41 in 2018-19, and again in 2021-22. His current career-high in points is 78, which he also attained in 2021-22.
He could have helped Team USA on special teams, no doubt. With 10 power-play goals, linemates would have looked DeBrincat's way often, knowing there would be a good chance he'd find twine.
DeBrincat's 52.1 Corsi For at even strength is another indicator that his team manages to create scoring chances when he's on the ice. His offensive zone starting percentage is just 49.9 in that same situation. He's constantly helping the Red Wings find ways to get the puck into the offensive zone and capitalize on sequences. Something Team USA will miss.
Olympic snub isn't the end of the world for DeBrincat or Red Wings fans
Don't be surprised if DeBrincat turns that adversity into fuel. Fortunately, he will have more than just a potential playoff appearance to play for. With the Red Wings playing their best hockey at midseason in years, he will play a pivotal role in helping this team punch its way into the postseason.
DeBrincat can keep showing off the impact he would have had on Team USA if Guerin were wise enough to add him to the roster. Still, a playoff berth for the first time in nearly a decade would mean a successful 2025-26 campaign for DeBrincat, especially given his current impact.