The narrative surrounding the Detroit Red Wings this past offseason has been Dylan Larkin and the ongoing GM mess.
While those two issues are the hottest irons in the fire, there is another major contract situation that no one is talking about.
No, it’s not Simon Edvinsson (yes, that’s important, too). It’s Alex DeBrincat.
The Cat is entering the final year of his current deal, and, well, he wants a new one. More specifically, he wants another contract from the Detroit Red Wings.
The organization would only be happy to oblige. The problem lies in the fact that there is no one to negotiate with.
If there were a GM in place, there’s a very good chance that both Edvinsson and DeBrincat would have new contracts. Most importantly, there would be a resolution to the Larkin situation.
But there is no certitude regarding any of these matters. So, you have to think that whoever takes over the GM role in Detroit will have to hasten to get a DeBrincat extension done.
The rush wouldn’t necessarily be to sign the 28-year-old to an eight-year deal. That’s unlikely to be the angle here. The hurry would be to bring as much clarity and stability to the Red Wings organization after a tumultuous summer.
Red Wings need DeBrincat moving forward
In short, the Red Wings need DeBrincat. Last season’s career year was just a validation of everything we all knew the former second-round pick could do. His 41 goals and 85 points marked the epitome of his skills.
And there’s reason to believe he could find another gear.
With the right circumstances, DeBrincat could close in on 50 goals and 100 points. After all, is there any indication that he couldn’t do it?
That said, the Red Wings must retain DeBrincat. Replacing him would be virtually impossible, especially when considering the costs in the trade and free-agent markets.
It’s also worth pointing out that there really isn’t any internal option that could step in and make up for The Cat’s 40 goals. Michael Brandsegg-Nygard could get there one day. Perhaps Marco Kasper could become an 80-point guy down the line. Even with their potential, they’re not about to do it THIS SEASON.
Heck, there isn’t anyone on the Red Wings’ roster who could replace DeBrincat anytime soon. That’s why re-signing him is even more crucial.
Re-Signing DeBrincat is a chip shot
The bottom line is that keeping DeBrincat in Detroit is a chip shot. He wants to stay in the city. He’s willing to make things work.
So, it’s just a matter of getting something done. The actual terms may not be hard to work out. It wouldn’t be hard to figure out a deal somewhere in the four-year, $40 million range. Yes, DeBrincat would command a higher payday.
But do the Red Wings have any other choice?
By the time DeBrincat would be set to become a UFA again, the kids could be ready to take over.
It’s an investment in the team’s current success. Of course, if management doesn’t think the team can win now, well, the Red Wings might as well trade DeBrincat now while he retains enormous value.
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