Alex DeBrincat just signed a long-term extension with the Red Wings, and Shawn Horcoff's biggest move yet lands in the middle of the Larkin and Edvinsson storms.
The deal is seven years with a $13,000,000 cap hit, running from 2027-28 through 2033-34, first reported by Elliotte Friedman. It carries him through his age-36 season.
The structure is front-loaded. He'll earn a $15 million salary in year one, $12.93 million in each of the next five years and $11.35 million in the final season.
He also gets real protection: a full no-trade clause for four years, then a 10-team trade list, an 18-team modified clause and a 13-team modified clause over the final three.
DeBrincat, 28, currently carries a $7,875,000 cap hit and was set to become a UFA next summer. He has two goals and five points in five games this season.
Dylan Larkin just called him the team's best player after jumping to his defence against Ottawa. Detroit clearly agreed.
Shawn Horcoff commits to Alex DeBrincat while the rebuild wobbles
The timing is what stands out. Larkin reportedly requested a trade, Simon Edvinsson prefers one, and the Red Wings are 1-3-1 with fans chanting "sell the team."
Locking up DeBrincat sends a message that at least one core piece wants to stay. In a week like this one, that matters.
Frank Seravalli had called him the third priority as a pending UFA just days ago. Detroit moved that priority up in a hurry.
The term is the problem. Paying a 5-foot-8 winger $13 million through age 36 is a big bet, especially for a team that might need to rebuild its rebuild.
It's like renovating the kitchen while you're still debating whether to sell the house.
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The Red Wings host Philadelphia on Thursday, a matchup between two teams desperate for wins.
DeBrincat is staying. Whether Larkin and Edvinsson join him is the question that will define this franchise for years.
Was a seven-year, $13 million extension for Alex DeBrincat a smart move?
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