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The shining star of the 2025-26 Red Wings

While things are dark at times for the Red Wings, their shining star always finds a way to bring the light.
ByKaty Glaza|
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Feb 2, 2025; Vancouver, British Columbia, CAN; Vancouver Canucks forward Conor Garland (8) watches as Detroit Red Wings forward Alex DeBrincat (93) celebrates his overtime goal at Rogers Arena. Mandatory Credit: Bob Frid-Imagn Images
Feb 2, 2025; Vancouver, British Columbia, CAN; Vancouver Canucks forward Conor Garland (8) watches as Detroit Red Wings forward Alex DeBrincat (93) celebrates his overtime goal at Rogers Arena. Mandatory Credit: Bob Frid-Imagn Images | Bob Frid-Imagn Images

Back in the day, I started a series of Detroit Red Wings as Marvel Cinematic Universe characters. Although the superhero genre has peaked, I connected with Thunderbolts* (The New Avengers). As The Void spreads it darkness, an all-consuming force, New York City is engulfed. 

The downward spiral of the Detroit Red Wings since returning from the Olympic break is contagious in the same way. As important as it is to work through those emotions, it’s equally important to find the light whenever possible. 

Even with all the doom and gloom there have been plenty of reasons to be grateful as a Wings’ fan. Per usual, the people this season make every ounce of the pain worth it. (Even if it doesn't feel like it from moment to moment.)

Alex DeBrincat is helping the Detroit Red Wings traverse some of the toughest games this season

Where would this team be without Alex DeBrincat?

I really don’t want to think of the answer to that question. DeBrincat has, quite literally, changed the fate of this franchise. 

Much like Yelena, the original Black Widow’s sister, DeBrincat is there to help lead his team as they navigate a maze of shame rooms (in this case, poor plays, untimely penalties, questionable coaching decisions, inconsistent goaltending, etc.)

He’s the closest thing to an elite player the Wings have save for Moritz Seider and his Norris-caliber performance.

Elite talent doesn’t grow on trees and with this rising cap the free agent and trade markets have never been as seemingly bare as they are currently. In his career season (so far), DeBrincat has scored 40 times with 43 assists for a total of 83 points in 79 games played. Last season, DeBrincat had another stellar season with 70 total points (39 goals and 31 assists) in 82 games played. 

Points are fun and all, but DeBrincat’s play speaks louder than any points. Night in and night out, the sniper is one of the hardest working and hitting players on the team. He’s doing everything that he can to will his team to the playoffs. 

On top of his play and career-season in terms of points, DeBrincat helped to bring Patrick Kane into the fold. Say what you will about how old, slow, or short-minded Kane might be (especially with his recent penalty at the most inopportune time), he’s still a first-ballot Hall of Fame player. 

For a player of Kane’s caliber to not only want to follow his old teammate but to actually do so speaks volumes about DeBrincat’s impact.

DeBrincat will go down as an impressive Detroit Red Wings player. How impressive? Only time will tell. 

In the meantime, it’s nice to appreciate everything that DeBrincat has done, continues to do, and will do for Hockeytown.