There are few players that truly excelled with the Detroit Red Wings last season.
In fact, you could probably count them on one hand: Emmitt Finnie had a great rookie year. Moritz Seider was a Norris-caliber defenseman (despite how the PHWA voted). Andrew Copp had his best year with the Red Wings yet.
But none excelled at the forward position quite like Alex DeBrincat.
This season was one part breakout, one part return to form. In the case of the former, he hit career highs in points, putting up 85 in 82. In the case of the latter, he reached the 40-goal plateau for the third time in his career. The last time he accomplished this feat was in 2021-22 when he still played for the Chicago Blackhawks.
This time around, DeBrincat did a little bit of everything: he scored, he played setup and he even outworked his opposition defensively. This was far and beyond the best season of his career.
So where does DeBrincat go from here -- and what kind of salary will he command after this season?
How DeBrincat can improve on this season
Oddly enough, the best way DeBrincat can improve upon this season actually has more to do with external factors than factors he can control. The Red Wings, to put it quite obviously, need a better second line center. While Andrew Copp did well, it's clear that he isn't a second line center at this point in his career.
If the Red Wings happen across a center like, say, Robert Thomas, it will all but guarantee a rise in DeBrincat's production. If Patrick Kane does return to the Red Wings, DeBrincat can continue to put their chemistry to work as well. While Kane will be 38 by the end of next season, it's clear he can still produce at a decent level in the NHL.
DeBrincat's contract looms on the horizon
The elephant in the room that the Red Wings have to address is Alex DeBrincat's pending extension. DeBrincat has one year left on his deal making $7.875M. He'll command a hefty raise after this season comes to an end. There's little doubt that Detroit will make every effort it can to match, but what will an extension look like? How long is general manager Steve Yzerman willing to give out term?
DeBrincat will be 29 when his contract comes to an end. Prospective playoff teams and conteners alike will do everything in their power to try and snatch up the high-scoring forward. If the Red Wings hope to keep DeBrincat long term, they need to show him they're prepared to take that next step. They have to add a big piece during this offseason to prove to DeBrincat that they believe in him, Dylan Larkin and the rest of the core.
With that said, DeBrincat was this team's offensive MVP this season and he deserves to be paid as such.
Grade: A+
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