Detroit Red Wings legend Steve Yzerman stepped down as their general manager, but he will remain with the organization as a senior advisor. With this news, the Red Wings are now on the hunt for their next GM.
Whoever takes over the Red Wings' GM job undoubtedly will have a tough task ahead of them. Due to an ugly finish to the 2025-26 season, the Red Wings have now gone through 10 straight years of missing the playoffs. Detroit's captain, Dylan Larkin, has also requested a trade from the Original Six club. As a result, the Red Wings' next GM will have some big decisions to make.
However, there is another star player whom the Red Wings' next GM will need to make a big decision on: Alex DeBrincat. The 28-year-old forward is entering the final season of his contract in 2026-27, so whoever takes over as the Red Wings' GM must decide whether they will trade him or sign him to a contract extension.
If the Red Wings trade DeBrincat, it would undoubtedly open the door to a retool or even a potential rebuild. However, if they can convince the Farmington Hills, Michigan native to extend in Detroit, they should look aggressively to improve their roster in the present.
Red Wings can't afford to let Alex DeBrincat walk for nothing next summer
Given how well DeBrincat has fit on the Red Wings, it is very likely that those in the organization would love to extend him. He is an incredibly important part of the Red Wings' top six and just had a monster 2025-26 season. In 82 games with Detroit this past campaign, he led the team with 41 goals and 85 points.
With DeBrincat being one of the Red Wings' top stars, it would be great if they could keep him around. Yet, if negotiations do not go well, the Red Wings may have no choice but to trade him. Unless the Red Wings take a big step next season and are contenders, he is too valuable a player for them to potentially lose for nothing next summer in free agency.
A star forward like DeBrincat would have the potential to get the Red Wings a significant return. His trade value is at its highest right now after his incredible season, and this would only remain the case if he continues to dominate in 2026-27.
With that, it is clear that the Red Wings' next GM has a major decision to make when it comes to DeBrincat. If Detroit can lock him up to an extension, they would need to add more talent around him. However, if they trade both him and Larkin, it would likely lead to the Red Wings starting another rebuild.
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