Alex DeBrincat has given Detroit a major vote of confidence amid a rough start, agreeing Wednesday to a seven-year, $91 million extension that keeps one of the Red Wings’ premier finishers under contract through the long term.
Key takeaways
- DeBrincat’s new deal carries a $13 million annual cap hit and takes effect next season.
- The 28-year-old had been on track to reach unrestricted free agency after the current campaign.
- He has four goals and four assists in Detroit’s first six games.
- Detroit sits at 1-3-2 following an offseason marked by leadership and roster uncertainty.
A new commitment for Detroit’s scorer
The extension arrives in the final year of DeBrincat’s existing four-year contract, worth $31.5 million with a $7.875 million average annual value. Detroit originally signed him as a restricted free agent on July 9, 2023.
DeBrincat produced three points Tuesday, scoring twice and adding an assist in the Red Wings’ 5-4 overtime loss to the New Jersey Devils. His eight points this season have come on four goals and four assists.
Last season, the Farmington Hills, Michigan, native set a career high with 85 points in 82 games, finishing with 41 goals and 44 assists. Across 702 NHL games with the Chicago Blackhawks, Ottawa Senators and Red Wings, he has recorded 298 goals, 305 assists and 603 points. His playoff resume includes six points, two goals and four assists, in nine Stanley Cup Playoff games.
Chicago selected DeBrincat in the second round, 39th overall, at the 2016 NHL Draft.
Red Wings trying to settle the room
Detroit’s early record has come after a turbulent summer. Captain Dylan Larkin requested a trade, while Steve Yzerman moved from general manager to a senior adviser position. Assistant general manager Shawn Horcoff took over as interim GM.
Defenseman Simon Edvinsson remains unsigned as a restricted free agent. He reported to training camp before returning to Sweden without a contract in place.
DeBrincat said Monday that the club has worked to keep its attention inside the dressing room despite the outside conversation. He said the players have stayed connected, remained upbeat and continued to enjoy coming to the rink each day.
