Big Update On Red Wings' Alex DeBrincat Trade Rumors
While teams continue to inquire, a fresh report indicates the sniper is likely to stay in Detroit as long as the Red Wings are willing to pay him.
Where The Rumors Started
Per David Pagnotta of The Fourth Period, as Detroit navigated trade talks surrounding Larkin, several clubs also inquired about the potential availability of DeBrincat, though Pagnotta noted it was unclear whether the Red Wings had any appetite to actually explore a deal.
Pagnotta identified the Edmonton Oilers, Chicago Blackhawks, Toronto Maple Leafs, New Jersey Devils, Seattle Kraken, and Buffalo Sabres as teams that could have interest given their search for a top-line scoring winger.
Alex Debrincat and Dylan Larkin both wearing Red Wings gear practicing with each other 👀 pic.twitter.com/Vd0dNG5Bm6
— 𝔗𝔥𝔢 𝔇𝔢𝔱𝔯𝔬𝔦𝔱 𝔗𝔦𝔪𝔢𝔰 📰 (@the_det_times) July 25, 2026
The Blackhawks, DeBrincat's former team, stand out as one with the cap space to make a rich long-term offer for a legitimate scorer to play alongside Connor Bedard.
DeBrincat holds a 16-team no-trade list, giving him some control over any potential destination.
The Latest Report
The most recent update pumps the brakes on the trade talk.
Per Bob Duff of Detroit Hockey Now, while a DeBrincat trade is possible, it is unlikely.
"Will DeBrincat leave the Red Wings? That seems unlikely," Duff wrote. "As long as Detroit brass is willing to pony up the cash for DeBrincat and pay him market value, expect him to stay put. DeBrincat likes it here."
The Detroit Red Wings do not need to worry about losing Alex DeBrincat to a trade request, per @asktheduffer
— Woodward Sports Network (@woodwardsports) July 27, 2026
Finally some GOOD NEWS for Wings Fans 🙌 pic.twitter.com/zDAYkki4rk
DeBrincat has echoed that sentiment himself.
"Absolutely. I love it here," DeBrincat said when asked about remaining in Detroit. "This is my home. I've loved every bit of playing here. I think this is definitely a team I want to be a part of for a long time, and I think everyone knows that."
The Farmington Hills, Michigan native came to Detroit in a 2023 trade with the Ottawa Senators and has embraced playing close to home.
The Contract Question
The real story is the looming extension.
DeBrincat is entering the final year of his four-year, $31.5 million deal that carries a $7.875 million cap hit, and he becomes eligible for unrestricted free agency next summer.
He is coming off a career-high 85 points while matching his career best with 41 goals, leading the Red Wings in goals since arriving and sitting second in points with 222 across 246 games.
That production means a significant raise is coming.
Leo Carlsson's league-leading $18 million average annual value in Anaheim has reset the market for scoring forwards, and another 40-goal season could push DeBrincat's asking price toward $15 million annually.
Per PuckPedia, the Red Wings have roughly $63.2 million in projected cap space for 2027-28, though that number will shrink once restricted free agent Simon Edvinsson signs his extension.
