Alex DeBrincat has been traded to the Detroit Red Wings, both the Ottawa Senators and Red Wings organizations confirmed on Sunday. A first-time breaking report by NHL insider Elliott Friedman said, “DeBrincat will be traded to Detroit. Again, I’m not sure about the package… I was told it wasn’t going to be long, long-term. 4-5 years, I think.” Says fourth-term David Pagnotta, “DeBrincat has agreed to an extension with Detroit. Hearing 4-year, $7.875 million AAV range.”
Bruce Gariuch reports,” Sens acquired Dominik Kubalik, future D Donovan Sebrango, and a conditional 2024 first-round and 2024 fourth-round pick for Alex DeBrincat.”
A skilled scoring winger renowned for his ability to consistently generate and convert scoring opportunities, his passing skills and goal-scoring ability made him a great addition to Detroit who were thought to be favorites to acquire DeBrincat. He hails from the Detroit suburb of Farmington Hills, so it would make sense for him to play for his hometown team.
Previous speculation about a potential deal between the Ottawa Senators and Red Wings has slowed, but the Red Wings have always remained ahead when it comes to potential destinations. While a deal may have been on the table around the NHL Draft last month, it appears to have changed hands or been scrapped altogether. The Rumblings then indicated that the uncertainty stemmed from the wing’s next potential contract and the reluctance of Red Wings general manager Steve Yzerman to sign DeBrincat to a lucrative long-term deal. Yzerman is aiming to avoid going over Dylan Larkin’s 8-year, $8.7 million contract extension, and seems reluctant to get close to that figure.
Yzerman has taken a firm stance, not endorsing a lengthy extension to DeBrincat’s contract that will take effect next summer when his current deal still has another year to go. On the other hand, DeBrincat apparently wasn’t willing to accept his hometown discount. Negotiations between Yzerman and DeBrincat were ongoing, with the Wings holding back from making any official announcements until an agreement was reached. Up to this point, no one has been announced yet. Yzerman has a reputation as a tough negotiator who is generally reluctant to enter into long-term contracts. Looks like he won here.
DeBrincat is currently RFA unsigned and is one year away from unrestricted free agency.
Next up: Canucks secure Nils Höglander Services with $1.1 million AAV deal