Can Alex DeBrincat make the Red Wings Stanley Cup Contenders?

The NHL hot stove is red hot, and one of the most intriguing rumors floating around involves Alex DeBrincat and the Detroit Red Wings.

The Ottawa Senators are obviously exploring all options with winger Alex DeBrincat. It sounds like there is a very good chance he will be traded as early as before the draft takes place. Either way, it seems as of now that it’s unlikely DeBrincat will be putting on a Senators uniform in 2023-24, but you never know. Ottawa acquired DeBrincat in a trade with Chicago ahead of the 2022 NHL Draft. The Senators sent the No. 7 pick (Kevin Korchinski), a 2022 second-round pick (Paul Ludwinski), and a 2024 third-round pick to Chicago in the deal. DeBrincat scored 27 goals and collected 66 points in 82 games with the Senators during the 2022–23 regular season.

DeBrincat is from Farmington Hills, Michigan. He grew up a Red Wings fan and even admitted a few years ago while he was playing for Chicago that he despised the Chicago Blackhawks growing up. Ironically, DeBrincat was drafted by the Blackhawks in the 2nd round back in 2016. There’s been a lot of discussions about a potential trade that would bring DeBrincat home. One source even said that Detroit and Ottawa have a “handshake deal in place to acquire DeBrincat.” Jeff Marek, an NHL insider, appeared on SiriusXM NHL Network Radio and said that from what he’s heard, it sounds like Detroit is the destination for Alex DeBrincat. If that’s the case, what does he bring to the table for Detroit?

What Alex DeBrincat brings to the table for Detroit

Dylan Larkin has been far and away the best player offensively for the Red Wings the past couple of years. Larkin had a stretch last season where he was unstoppable, and it landed him a big contract extension. Dylan Larkin scored 32 goals, had 47 assists, and collected a total of 79 points last season. That, by far, was the most points scored by a Red Wing last season. David Perron finished last season 2nd in points with 56. He scored 24 goals and had 32 assists. After that, it was Dominik Kubalik and Lucas Raymond with 45 points. Kubalik scored 20 goals, and Raymond scored 17 goals but had a few more assists. If you compare Alex DeBrincat and Dylan Larkin’s 2022-23 season, you might be surprised to hear that Larkin was a little bit better. Alex DeBrincat scored 27 goals and had 39 assists last season. That’s a total of 66 points over 82 games played. Larkin played in 80 games and scored 79 points. However, Alex DeBrincat has shown a little more consistency in his career and has outperformed Larkin over the years. So what’s my point? My point is, putting these two on the same team could be very dangerous. The Red Wings would have potentially two players who could have 30+ goals next season. Also, Detroit would have a very strong young core offensively that includes Lucas Raymond, Amadeus Lombardi, Marco Kasper, and Jonatan Berggren. Their veterans, Andrew Copp, David Perron, and Dominik Kubalik, would provide a balanced roster. With all that being said, would adding DeBrincat make the Red Wings Stanley Cup contenders?

Does Alex DeBrincat make Detroit Stanley Cup contenders?

I always thought that if Larkin ever became the 2nd best offensive player on the team, it would mean we’re building a Stanley Cup contender. I think DeBrincat is a better player, and he’s proven that over the years, but I’m not sure that just the addition of DeBrincat makes us instant Cup contenders. However, I’m going to say yes, he does make Detroit Cup contenders because I don’t think Steve Yzerman would be at all done with adding talent to this Red Wings team via free agency or via trade. If they acquire Alex DeBrincat, they won’t need to make a huge splash after that. But Detroit would be just a couple of improvements away from being the team they once were. With the core Yzerman is building and the potential of adding some proven NHL stars, Detroit could be an NHL powerhouse once again very soon.