Following a strong beginning to his 2026-27 NHL campaign, Alex DeBrincat has finalized a seven-year, $91 million contract extension ($13 million AAV) with the Detroit Red Wings.
The agreement for DeBrincat (announced on Oct. 14) also incorporates a no-trade clause for the first four years, which will transition into a limited no-trade clause during years five through seven, as reported by The Athletic. DeBrincat, a winger, is currently completing the last season of a four-year, $31.5 million deal ($7.875 million average annual value) that was signed with Detroit on July 9, 2023, as a restricted free agent. If this latest arrangement had not been secured, he would have entered unrestricted free agency at the end of this season.
It was also noted that initial negotiations between DeBrincat and the Red Wings took place in the spring; however, the agreement was only reached in October while DeBrincat was leading the scoring efforts for Detroit.
With Steve Yzerman undergoing a transition, credit for the extension of the 28-year-old Michigan native goes to Red Wings interim General Manager Shawn Horcoff.
In his 10th season in the NHL, DeBrincat has recorded 298 goals and 603 points across 702 games in the League.
Red Wings head coach Todd McLellan recently highlighted DeBrincat as a “critical” asset to the team’s lineup.
“‘Critical’ is indeed an appropriate term for him,” McLellan remarked on DeBrincat following a two-goal performance in a 5-4 overtime defeat against the New Jersey Devils. “This illustrates just how vital he is to our team and our organization. We rely on him.”
Alex DeBrincat Emerges as Red Wings’ Highest-Paid Player
With an average annual value of $13 million, DeBrincat stands out as Detroit’s highest-paid player, surpassing the previous captain Dylan Larkin’s $8.7 million.
Detroit Red Wings right wing Alex Debrincat Credit: Kyle Ross-Imagn Images | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect
The announcement regarding DeBrincat has brought a sense of positivity amid a challenging period for the Red Wings, who have secured only one victory in their first six games this season.
DeBrincat has mentioned his commitment to focusing on his own performance and maintaining a positive team spirit.
“Of course, there’s been quite a bit of external noise, but inside, we are aiming to stay united and enjoy coming to the rink each day,” DeBrincat stated on Oct. 12, according to NHL.com. “I believe we’ve been managing well. Everyone seems to be in good spirits, and we’re enjoying ourselves.”
The Red Wings currently find themselves at the bottom of the Atlantic Division, yet the signing of DeBrincat is anticipated to signify a positive shift in their momentum.
Detroit’s next matchup is set against the Philadelphia Flyers on Oct. 15.
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This piece was originally published on www.si.com/nhl/red-wings/onsi as Breaking Down Alex DeBrincat’s 7-Year Extension With Red Wings.
