The Detroit News’s Nolan Bianchi is the first to post an article regarding the comments made by Steve Yzerman and Alex DeBrincat this morning:
“It’s definitely a dream come true,” DeBrincat said Monday about playing for his hometown team. “I do have to say, I don’t think anyone’s happier than my parents. It’s a full-family (thing), everyone’s happy and it’s a good spot for me.”
DeBrincat, 25, was traded from Ottawa to the Red Wings Sunday night in a deal that sent back defense prospect Donovan Sebrango, 27-year-old winger Dominik Kubalik, a conditional first-round pick in 2024 and a 2024 fourth-rounder. DeBrincat, who was in his final offseason as a restricted free agent, signed a four-year extension with Detroit with a $7.875 average annual value (AAV).
At his introductory Zoom press conference Monday — where he was wearing a teal Detroit Pistons hat — he was clear on the expectations for his arrival in Hockeytown. It’s not all about feel-good stories and playing close to home.
“They were just so successful through my whole childhood. It was so fun to watch. That’s a big reason why I play the game. To get to that point, that success, is definitely a goal of mine. Hopefully, we can be successful here again,” DeBrincat said.
“Obviously, early in my career, (the Red Wings were) deep in the rebuild. These past couple years, you can see that the compete level has definitely been higher. You see a team that’s maybe frustrated with being in a rebuild and wants to get out. So, I’m excited to be here and join that and hopefully be part of the solution to get out of that. … I definitely see the potential in this group.”
Between DeBrincat, captain Dylan Larkin (Waterford), centers Andrew Copp (Ann Arbor) and Austin Czarnik (Washington Township), the Red Wings now roster four Michigan-born players. Red Wings general manager Steve Yzerman said there’s an “added benefit” of a player “being more invested” when they play for their hometown team.
