Bleacher Report’s Lyle Richardson has updated his “NHL Trade Board,” and he’s including Alex DeBrincat on his list:
13. Alex DeBrincat, Detroit Red Wings
Most of this summer’s speculation concerning the Detroit Red Wings has focused on whether they’ll honor center Dylan Larkin’s trade request. However, their current efforts to replace Steve Yzerman as general manager have raised questions over Alex DeBrincat’s future with the franchise.
The 28-year-old DeBrincat is eligible to become an unrestricted free agent next July. Since being acquired from the Ottawa Senators in 2023, he’s been among their most reliable scorers, including a 41-goal performance last season. He carries a cap hit of $7.9 million and a 16-team no-trade list.
DeBrincat’s scoring abilities would make him an enticing trade target if he becomes available. On July 15, Max Bultman of The Athletic speculated that DeBrincat would be among several trade candidates if the new Red Wings GM decides to rebuild the roster.
On July 27, Bob Duff of Detroit Hockey Now felt that DeBrincat would stay put if the Wings offered him fair market value on his next contract, citing the winger’s Michigan ties. Time will tell about that. For now, however, his future with the Red Wings will be worth monitoring as this season progresses.
And yes, Richardson addresses the Dylan Larkin situation, too:
5. Dylan Larkin, Detroit Red Wings
Having requested a trade this spring, Dylan Larkin of the Detroit Red Wings has been considered among the players most likely to be moved this summer. While his request landed him at No. 2 on our previous Trade Target rankings, there’s no indication that the 29-year-old center is any closer to changing teams.
The Red Wings announcement last month that Steve Yzerman was being replaced as general manager sparked speculation over whether Larkin would rescind his request. Thus far, that has yet to happen as the Wings continue to search for Yzerman’s replacement.
Larkin’s four-team list of preferred trade destinations included the Minnesota Wild, who were believed to be the front-runners to acquire him. However, Michael Russo and Joe Smith of The Athletic suggested the Red Wings’ management change complicates the Wild’s efforts to land Larkin.
On July 20, MLive.com’s Ansar Khan wondered if a new Wings GM might repair the relationship with Larkin and convince him to stay. For now, however, his situation remains in limbo until the management situation is sorted out.
