The Senators acquired Alex DeBrincat from the Blackhawks in the 2022 offseason. The hope in Ottawa was that the scoring winger would eventually sign a long-term extension with the club. Instead, DeBrincat made it known he would not agree to a deal. That forced the Sens to look at trades. On Sunday, they sent him to the Red Wings.
DeBrincat, 25, experienced a drop in production in 2022-23. His 27 goals were his second-fewest since entering the NHL in 2017. He finished with 66 points while playing in all 82 games for Ottawa.
The Wings are hoping DeBrincat will rediscover the magic he displayed in Chicago. And they're committing to him long term with a four-year extension at a $7.875 million average annual value.
DeBrincat absconding for Detroit means the Senators are likely nearing a deal with free-agent winger Vladimir Tarasenko. The Islanders were also reportedly making a run at DeBrincat, but home roots run deep; DeBrincat is from Farmington Hills, Mich.
In exchange for DeBrincat, the Red Wings gave up two players and two draft picks. Here are the full details of the deal:
Alex DeBrincat trade details
- Red Wings receive: F Alex DeBrincat
- Senators receive: F Dominik Kubalik, D Donovan Sebrango, 2024 conditional first-round pick, 2024 fourth-round pick
DeBrincat has been one of the league's most under-the-radar goal scorers since arriving in the NHL. He has scored over 30 three times in his six-year career, including twice potting 41.
While his regression last season is a cause for concern, there is still a ton of promise given his age. He produced on a bad Blackhawks team before he was moved to the Sens, and then he had to adjust to a different style of play in Ottawa.
The Senators' leverage in trade talks was severely hindered by their position with DeBrincat. They got forward Dominik Kubalik, who had 20 goals for the Wings last year; defense prospect Donovan Sebrango; a 2024 conditional first-round draft pick; and a 2024 fourth-rounder, the team announced Sunday.
It's a solid haul for a player who was going to walk for nothing, and it's mutually beneficial as the Red Wings get a player they clearly coveted this offseason.
Alex DeBrincat contract details
A big part of the trade was the four-year extension from the Red Wings.
The winger turned down a long-term contract offer from the Senators. He is now locked in with Detroit through the 2026-27 season.
At $31.5 million over four years, DeBrincat's AAV will be $7.875 million. He will be eligible for free agency in 2027.
| Year | Salary |
| 2023-24 | $7.875 million |
| 2024-25 | $7.875 million |
| 2025-26 | $7.875 million |
| 2026-27 | $7.875 million |
DeBrincat will be in a prime position for a big contract when the deal ends as he'll be 29 at that time.