Detroit Red Wing Alex DeBrincat Has Proven Doubters Wrong

Detroit Red Wings forward Alex DeBrincat has been lights out all season while battling adversity thanks to an Olympic snub. DeBrincat’s chances were slim when he didn’t receive an orientation invite in August 2025. Despite his elite performance heading into the Olympics, he watched the US win the Gold Medal. Still, the snub likely provided fuel for DeBrincat’s best season yet.

Detroit Red Wings Forward Has Been Arguably the Best on the Team

It took DeBrincat just 73 games to match his career high of 78 points. A feat he reached in 2021-22 as a member of the Chicago Blackhawks. He played in all 82 contests that season, putting up 41 goals and 37 assists. DeBrincat was also a staple on the Blackhawks power play. He ended 2021-22 with 14 goals at 5-on-4 and 28 power-play points total.

As for his current campaign in Hockeytown? DeBrincat has been more than lights out. His 37 goals have him on pace for 41. Should DeBrincat edge past the 41-goal mark, he’ll own a new career high. As for assists? He’s already soared past his career best.

Alex DeBrincat and Patrick Kane Have Been a Two-Man Wrecking Crew

DeBrincat’s slight build at 5’8″, 180 lbs has brought him adversity. So has Patrick Kane’s advanced age. But that hasn’t stopped the dynamic duo from teaming up multiple times this season to help keep the Red Wings in playoff contention.

In November 2025, Kane and DeBrincat linked up to set a record for American-born players when Kane assisted DeBrincat on a goal for the 92nd time. Kane has since provided helpers on eight more of DeBrincat’s goals. That gives them 100 instances of DeBrincat finding the net off of Kane’s playmaking ability.

There are a few reasons why Kane needs to stick around Hockeytown for at least another season. His chemistry with DeBrincat is one of them. With the Red Wings getting so close to a playoff berth and Kane and DeBrincat wreaking havoc while donning the Winged Wheel, it would be travesty if the two aren’t sharing the ice in 2026-27.

Alex DeBrincat Is About To Land One Sensational Payday

DeBrincat will be eligible for a contract extension come the summer of 2026. His productivity is one of many reasons he deserves to receive a major pay increase for a long-term deal. Expect DeBrincat’s next contract to carry an average annual value for at least $10 million across seven seasons. It will likely come with a full no-movement clause attached for most of that contract.

For a player currently leading his team in points and heading into what will be his age-29 season next year, DeBrincat will remain in his prime throughout most of that contract’s duration. Better yet, he will join long-term core pieces like Lucas Raymond, Dylan Larkin, and Moritz Seider. Each player is looking to not just get this team back to the playoffs, but into a situation where they’re making annual postseason appearances. Seider especially has been putting forth the effort.

For DeBrincat, it will be a well-deserved payday, given how well he’s played since he first arrived in Detroit for the 2023-24 season. He has 103 goals and 215 points through almost three seasons. And if he stays in Hockeytown long term, DeBrincat will easily cross the 500 if not the 600-point threshold in time. For a player who was left off the Olympic team this season, elite play coupled with a long-term extension is one good consolation prize.