Detroit Red Wings

Could a Dream Winger Target Be Coming Available for the Oilers?

If teams are calling about Alex DeBrincat, the Edmonton Oilers should absolutely be one of them.

by
Jackson Weber
June 25, 2026

The Edmonton Oilers have been busy making headlines for their off-ice personnel decisions — the firing of Kris Knoblauch and hiring of Mike Babcock — so far this offseason, but now it’s time for GM Stan Bowman to start reshaping the roster.

There are numerous areas Bowman should and will be looking to improve, and one of those is potentially adding a top-six winger to play alongside Connor McDavid or Leon Draisaitl.

Jordan Kyrou, who had been bandied about as a target, is no longer an option, and the same can be said for Alex Tuch. So who could they turn to next? He may not officially be available, but according to insider David Pagnotta, star winger Alex DeBrincat’s name is drawing significant interest in the wake of Dylan Larkin reportedly wanting out of Detroit.

Pagnotta said:

“And the trickle effect out of this, guys, is that teams are now calling and asking about Alex DeBrincat, who has one year left and is entering the final year of his deal. So Detroit could look a lot different in a week, and it may be beneficial from a rebuild standpoint. It’s just going to take that much longer to get back on track in the Motor City,”

The 28-year-old DeBrincat is set to enter the fourth and final year of the four-year, $31.5 million contract extension he signed with the Red Wings in 2023. He racked up a career-high 85 points (41 goals, 44 assists) in 82 games last season.

Alex DeBrincat to the Oilers?

Chatter connecting DeBrincat and Edmonton has come up from time to time in the past, but never anything substantial. If the two-time 40-goal scorer is available for the right price, however, the Oilers should absolutely be willing to part with a sizeable return package to acquire him.

DeBrincat is a pure goal scorer who is durable, consistent, in his prime, and already has a connection with McDavid after the two played together during the captain’s final season with the Erie Otters of the OHL.

Is it a likely move for Bowman to pull off? Probably not. But if we’ve learned anything over the last few weeks, it’s that the trade market is hot and nothing can be ruled out right now.

Next: Alexander Nikishin Trade Market Heating Up as Carolina Weighs Multiple Offers