Trade Talk Swirls, But Detroit’s Top Scorer Likely Here to Stay

The Detroit Red Wings are once again staring down the possibility of missing the postseason, and while that could raise questions about Steve Yzerman‘s future as general manager, it will also spark speculation about the current roster. Among the potential changes, what happens with top scorer Alex DeBrincat?

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A trade involving DeBrincat this offseason remains highly unlikely, but there is a sense that continually missing the playoffs is unacceptable. Something has to give, and DeBrincat would have value if shopped this offseason.

DeBrincat Delivering Despite Team Struggles

At 28, DeBrincat remains one of the NHL’s most reliable goal scorers. Sitting at 39 goals and 82 points, he’s on pace for his third 40-goal season in nine NHL campaigns. Down the stretch, even as the Red Wings have struggled, he’s been a driving force offensively: he’s got four points in his last four games.

The reality is, as things unravel (3-6-1 in their last 10 games), DeBrincat hasn’t been part of the problem in Detroit. It appears the team will fall out of the playoff race for what could be a 10th straight year, but he’s been a bright spot in another March and April fans would like to forget.

Trade Talk More Hypothetical Than Real

The idea of moving DeBrincat gained traction after NHL insider Elliotte Friedman said he could see it. He wouldn’t completely rule it out, even if he viewed a trade as unlikely.

Players who can consistently score 35 to 40 goals are extremely difficult to replace; thus, trading him doesn’t address Detroit’s core weaknesses. In fact, it might simply create a new hole the Red Wings would have to fill. If there is a new GM, and the player is moved, it’s a big ask as their first order of duty to replace him.

The good news is that much of the speculation appears to be driven by frustration over the team’s playoff drought rather than by any dissatisfaction with the player himself.

Still, it’s hard to predict what’s coming for the Red Wings if they miss out again. DeBrincat’s contract status raises questions as he enters the final year of his four-year deal, which carries a $7.875 million cap hit. It’s good value for what he brings, and he will be eligible to sign an extension as early as July 1.

What does his next deal look like? Could he command north of $11 million annually? The Red Wings are projected to have the cap space to make that work, but is that in the cards for them long-term? If extension talks stall, trade discussions could become more realistic as the Red Wings won’t want to lose the forward and have nothing to show for it.

Next: Does Patrick Kane’s Costly Penalty Cloud His Future with the Red Wings?