DeBrincat Trade Rumors Not as Red Hot as People Think

While the Detroit Red Wings appear to be anything but stable, that’s not a clear indication that everyone is being traded, including star forward Alex DeBrincat. Yes, the Red Wings are still looking at moving Dylan Larkin. Yes, they also lost Patrick Kane to the Chicago Blackhawks. No, DeBrincat is not keen to leave the Red Wings and get a fresh start elsewhere. At least, not according to a report by Detroit Hockey Now.

---

Bob Duff writes that a DeBrincat trade is possible. However, he adds, “As long as Detroit brass is willing to pony up the cash for DeBrincat and pay him market value, expect him to stay put.”

Pointing out that most analysts and insiders believe the Red Wings aren’t a playoff team, Duff asks why DeBrincat would want to stay. His answer? “DeBrincat likes it here.”

DeBrincat has family close. He’s not looking to chase a glamorous lifestyle or bail on a struggling team to win a Championship. Sure, he wants to win, but there are things that are just as important to him as winning. “I love it here,” DeBrincat said at the end of the season. “This is my home. I’ve loved every bit of playing here.”

DeBrincat Knows Anything Is Possible

He’s not fooling himself into thinking that his stay in Detroit is guaranteed. ‘It’s a business, so we’ll see what they want to do,” DeBrincat said. He holds only a partial no-trade clause in his contract, so if the Red Wings want to move him, they have some ability to do so.

And, in Detroit, it’s going to be a real conversation about whether paying DeBrincat what the market will command is worth it. He’s turning 29. It’s not old, but a long-term deal will bring him into his mid-30s and if the Red Wings are looking at a rebuild, DeBrincat might be a tad older than the team might like.

He’s better than a point-per-game player. In today’s NHL, that’s worth $11 million or more per season. Salaries are increasing, putting pressure on teams to time things just right and invest in the correct assets. DeBrincat might be more valuable to a team in a different spot than Detroit is now.

All that said, he’s not looking to leave. This is a player who is happy where he is and as much as there is speculation surrounding the entire Red Wings organization, he’s comfortable.

Next: Contract News on Hughes Means Wild Have to Nail Trade Protection