Detroit Red Wings sign forward to a $91 million deal
Photo credit: David Kirouac-Imagn Images
The Detroit Red Wings finally have something to cheer about. Alex DeBrincat has agreed to a seven-year, $91 million extension carrying a $13 million cap hit, locking the Farmington Hills native into Detroit through the 2033-34 season.
The news broke Tuesday night, shortly after Detroit dropped a 5-4 overtime decision to the New Jersey Devils.
DeBrincat scored twice in that game, and the Red Wings now sit at 1-3-2. With Dylan Larkin requesting a trade and Simon Edvinsson reportedly wanting out, this agreement gives a bruised fan base a reason for optimism.
Inside the Contract Structure
According to PuckPedia, DeBrincat earns $15 million in salary in year one, then $12.93 million annually across years two through six, and $11.35 million in the final season.
He receives a full no-trade clause for the first four years, a 10-team trade list in year five, an 18-team modified no-trade clause in year six, and a 13-team version in year seven.
dailyfaceoff
dailyfaceoff
The raise is substantial. DeBrincat had been playing on a four-year, $7.875 million cap hit signed when Detroit acquired him from Ottawa in 2023, and the new number represents roughly a 65 percent jump.
He was headed toward unrestricted free agency next summer, so Detroit avoided a bidding war for one of the league's premier shooters.
Why Detroit Needed This
The production backs up the price tag. DeBrincat posted 41 goals and a career-best 85 points last season, and he has four goals and eight points through six games this year.
At 28, he should remain in his prime for much of the contract, which runs through his age-36 season.
The commitment also sends a message about direction. Detroit has endured a turbulent stretch following Steve Yzerman's exit, and keeping a franchise cornerstone suggests the organization wants to stay competitive rather than tear things down.
Whether that approach works depends on the supporting cast, but anchoring the lineup with a proven 40-goal scorer is a strong foundation. Red Wings fans have waited a long time for stability, and this signing offers a rare dose of it.
Also read on House Of Hockey :
Mathieu Olivier kicked out of game for disgusting gesture towards Uvis Balinskis
Mathieu Olivier kicked out of game for disgusting gesture towards Uvis Balinskis