The Score’s Nick Faris gives the Red Wings an A- and the Ottawa Senators a B- in terms of “trade grades” in the DeBrincat deal. Here’s his rationale for the Wings’ mark:
Until Sunday, Detroit lacked elite attacking talent. This franchise has starved for offense throughout its seven-year playoff drought. The Red Wings haven’t finished higher than 22nd in NHL scoring since 2015, back when DeBrincat and Connor McDavid lit up Ontario Hockey League goaltending as Erie Otters teammates.
DeBrincat excels alongside superstars. He racked up 160 goals in five seasons – 32 per year – with the Chicago Blackhawks as Patrick Kane’s frequent linemate. Last season, he barely got to play with skilled centers Tim Stutzle (Brady Tkachuk and Claude Giroux were the Senators’ top wingers) or Josh Norris (who injured his shoulder and sat out all but eight games).
DeBrincat’s stats slipped in Ottawa. He scored 27 goals on a shooting percentage of 10.3%, well below his 15.5% average in Chicago. He also regressed defensively: The Sens were outscored 58-42 in DeBrincat’s five-on-five minutes, per Natural Stat Trick.
Sensing an opportunity, the Red Wings capitalized. General manager Steve Yzerman reeled in a proven sniper from the Detroit suburb of Farmington Hills to complement Dylan Larkin on the top line.
The cost of landing and extending DeBrincat was modest. His average annual value is substantially lower than Larkin’s $8.7-million cap hit, not to mention the $8.8-million AAV that Timo Meier just procured from the New Jersey Devils.
His contract projects to be team-friendly. If DeBrincat shoots as often as he did in Ottawa and his success rate normalizes, he’ll be the first Wings player to flirt with 40 goals since Marian Hossa buried that many in 2009. Even in a down year, DeBrincat’s 11 power-play tallies ranked in the top 30 league-wide. His presence on the PP will divert attention from Larkin and elevate the whole first unit.
DeBrincat isn’t solely a triggerman. He shone as a playmaker in 2022-23, dishing a career-best 39 assists. He also remained aspirationally durable. DeBrincat has never been injured in the NHL, only missing four games during the 2020-21 season when he was placed in COVID-19 protocol.
