Red Wings Alex DeBrincat Could Hit Trade Market
Kypreos included DeBrincat on his latest trade board, tying the speculation to Detroit's ongoing search for stability at general manager.
Interim GM Shawn Horcoff has now been empowered to make some big decisions, and Kypreos believes getting DeBrincat signed to an extension would represent a meaningful early win for him.
Until that happens, though, DeBrincat remains, in Kypreos's words, one to watch for in trade rumors, given he's entering the final year of his contract with a path to unrestricted free agency next summer.
Why The Timeline Got Complicated In The First Place
Steve Yzerman stepped down as general manager, and the two months between his departure and Horcoff's appointment as interim GM effectively froze any real extension conversation.
DeBrincat addressed the awkwardness of that stretch. "Yeah, I think once it all happened, we kind of knew the lowdown," he said. "It wasn't something I think probably either of the sides wanted to do without anyone there. But we'll see what happens here. I think we'll leave the business side to them and my agent, and I'll just worry about playing."
People don’t talk about Alex DeBrincat enough. 😳 pic.twitter.com/1VuShbL5lZ
— NHLMuse (@NHL_Muse) August 22, 2026
Horcoff has since confirmed getting DeBrincat done is a real priority, without committing to a specific date. "He had a fantastic season last year," Horcoff said. "He's a guy that we rely on in leadership and for his scoring ability. He's a local kid, loves being here, loves being a Red Wing, and we're going to get to Alex shortly. There's not a timetable with him. Obviously, we have some time to get to an agreement with Alex, but it is something that's on our forefront."
Why DeBrincat Has Real Value Worth Protecting
DeBrincat led Detroit with 41 goals and 85 points last season, becoming the first Red Wings player to reach the 40-goal mark since Marian Hossa in 2008-09.
His current four-year, $31.5 million deal carries a $7.875 million cap hit, a number that's expected to jump significantly on his next contract, potentially into the $12 million range.
DeBrincat himself has been consistent about wanting to stay, even as the front office chaos played out around him. "My intention is obviously to stay in Detroit," he said earlier this month. "I love playing for the Red Wings. I love wearing that jersey and battling with those guys out there. We'll see what happens, I guess."
Of note with Shawn Horcoff being named interim GM in Detroit: He's been given the green light to negotiate contracts, which is notable for unsigned RFA Simon Edvinsson and pending UFA Alex DeBrincat, among others.
— Chris Johnston (@reporterchris) September 15, 2026
It's possible Horcoff keeps interim tag all season long.
Horcoff has separately said he expects to close a deal with defenseman Simon Edvinsson shortly, with DeBrincat's extension following at some point after that.
Both situations sit against the backdrop of Dylan Larkin's unresolved trade request, giving Detroit's new front office multiple significant pieces of business to sort out at once heading into the season.
