The Detroit Red Wings might finally have something to smile about after a tough Tuesday night. Losing 5-4 in overtime to the New Jersey Devils definitely stings, but NHL insider Elliotte Friedman just dropped a bomb on X: the Red Wings are reportedly closing in on a massive contract extension with star forward Alex DeBrincat. Talk about a potential game-changer for the Motor City!
Big Bucks for a Big Scorer
The reported deal? It’s a monster seven-year contract, ringing in at around $13 million annually. Do the math on that, and we’re talking roughly $91 million over those seven seasons. Seriously, $91 million! If this thing gets finalized at those figures, it’s not just big, it’s one of the most significant financial commitments in Red Wings franchise history. DeBrincat, a Farmington Hills native, is only 28 and was heading into the final year of his current $31.5 million deal. Coming off a 41-goal, 85-point season in 2025-26, the guy was set up for a huge raise as he approached unrestricted free agency. Earlier this month, another insider, David Pagnotta, said DeBrincat was looking for between $12 million and $14 million a year depending on the length of the agreement. So, $13 million? That fits right in the sweet spot.
The Stakes for Detroit’s Future
This potential extension isn’t just about DeBrincat’s bank account; it’s massive for the Red Wings organization. They’ve been dealing with a ton of uncertainty around Dylan Larkin, Simon Edvinsson, and just the general direction of the franchise. Locking up DeBrincat would be a clear signal they’re serious about keeping an established goal scorer in Detroit. But yeah, $13 million a year means he’d be one of the team’s highest-paid players. That puts serious pressure on management to build a competitive roster around this expensive core, doesn’t it? Still, letting a three-time 40-goal scorer walk to free agency? That’s a risk Detroit simply can’t afford, especially for a franchise that’s been fighting tooth and nail to get back into the Stanley Cup Playoffs. Getting this deal done means long-term stability on the wing and avoids another contract situation becoming a nightmare distraction.
The Red Wings have had a frustrating start to the 2026-27 season, no doubt about it. But a potential $91 million agreement with Alex DeBrincat? That’s the shot of optimism they desperately need. Nothing’s official yet, but the reported progress shows Detroit is clearly trying to secure one of its most important offensive players for the foreseeable future. Keep an eye on this one, folks.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Yahoo Sports.
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