Alex DeBrincat could become Todd McLellan's next major roster problem if Dylan Larkin's trade request ends with a Detroit exit.
The possibility hanging over Detroit is that losing Larkin could eventually influence DeBrincat's own long-term commitment to the Red Wings.
There is an important line here: DeBrincat has not requested a trade. And there are no reported negotiations sending him to the Maple Leafs.
Still, Larkin's situation creates a potential domino. If Detroit moves its captain and changes direction, another core forward will have to decide whether that direction matches his own timeline.
Detroit went 41-31-10 and finished with 92 points last season. This wasn't a roster miles from contention, which makes the possibility of losing multiple top-six pieces even tougher to absorb.
For McLellan, that would reshape far more than one line. Losing Larkin and then facing uncertainty around DeBrincat would force Detroit to rebuild a large part of its offensive identity.
Source : Alex DeBrincat's Detroit uncertainty opens a real trade window for the Maple Leafs
Red Wings face uncomfortable Alex DeBrincat possibility involving Toronto
The Maple Leafs have been floated as a logical landing spot, with DeBrincat's finishing ability potentially giving Jim Hiller another dangerous option in the top six.
But calling Toronto an obvious competitive upgrade doesn't match last season's standings. The Leafs went 32-36-14 and finished with 78 points.
What Toronto can offer is offensive star power. Auston Matthews and William Nylander remain major pieces around whom a scorer like DeBrincat could theoretically fit.
The financial side would be much harder. Toronto would need to create substantial room before absorbing another expensive contract, making any hypothetical deal far more complicated than simply identifying a good winger.
Detroit also has no reason to rush into another major departure. Unless DeBrincat signals that his own plans have changed, the Red Wings can keep him in a central offensive role.
The pressure is really on Detroit to show its core that Larkin's situation won't become the start of a wider unraveling.
Toronto can monitor from a distance. Plenty of contenders would be interested if DeBrincat ever became available, and there is nothing indicating the Maple Leafs have an inside track today.
For now, Larkin remains the first domino. If he leaves and Detroit's direction changes with him, DeBrincat's future could become the next major question McLellan has to answer.
Source : Alex DeBrincat's Detroit uncertainty opens a real trade window for the Maple Leafs
Should Toronto pursue Alex DeBrincat if Dylan Larkin is traded?
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