- Alex DeBrincat says his plan is to sign an extension and stay in Detroit
- Talks are parked until the Red Wings hire a new general manager
- Read below for what DeBrincat said about Dylan Larkin and Patrick Kane
Alex DeBrincat is not looking for a way out of Detroit.
The winger spoke Tuesday at the NHL/NHLPA North American Player Media Tour in Las Vegas and was asked where his contract stands with the Red Wings still searching for a general manager, per NHL.com’s Nicholas J. Cotsonika.
“When a new GM (is announced), I’m sure there’s going to be some conversations, but you know, as of right now, my opinion hasn’t changed. I love playing for the Red Wings. I love wearing that jersey and battling with those guys out there. My intention is obviously to stay in Detroit. We’ll see what happens, I guess.”
DeBrincat is heading into the last year of the four-year, $31.5 million deal he signed in July 2023. He can put pen to an extension right now, but the Red Wings do not have anyone in the chair to negotiate one.
Steve Yzerman shifted into a senior adviser role on July 15, and Detroit is still working through its search for a replacement:
The 28-year-old grew up outside Detroit and just posted the best season of his career, leading the Red Wings with 41 goals and 85 points. His 107 goals over three years in Detroit are 10 more than any teammate, including Dylan Larkin.
Not everyone expects him to still be there in June. Take a look at where Dave Pagnotta of The Fourth Period has him ranked:
Reporters also asked about Larkin and how he has been received around the rink since requesting a trade. He did not take the bait.
“From my perspective, he’s a great teammate, he’s a great friend of mine, and that’s a decision he made. That’s about as far as I’m going to go there. I feel like at this moment our team is definitely better with him, and he’s still our leader. He’s still one of our best players.”
Larkin has not gone anywhere yet. The Flyers called and were told they were not on his list, with Minnesota, Vegas and Florida standing as his preferred landing spots:
Losing Patrick Kane to Chicago stung more on a personal level. The two played together for five years with the Blackhawks and three more in Detroit, and DeBrincat called him one of his best friends.
“It (stinks) for me and for our team. He was a big part of our team, obviously skill-wise but also leadership-wise. But if he’s going to go anywhere, I’m happy he went to Chicago. I feel like him going back home is probably the story that needed to be written.”
Detroit has missed the playoffs 10 straight seasons, the longest drought in the franchise’s 100-year history. Training camp opens Sept. 17.
DeBrincat has said his piece on where he wants to play. Somebody in the Red Wings front office has to be hired before anyone can write it down.
