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At long last, the Detroit Red Wings have given their supporters a reason to cheer about something other than the scoreboard. On Wednesday, the club announced that forward Alex DeBrincat has agreed to a seven-year, $91 million contract extension, securing one of its most potent offensive weapons through the 2033-34 campaign.
The pact carries an average annual value of $13 million and kicks in with the 2027-28 season. For DeBrincat, it represents a substantial bump from the four-year, $31.5 million deal he signed in 2023-24. More importantly, for a franchise mired in uncertainty on multiple fronts, the signing signals a step toward stability and underscores DeBrincat's desire to remain in Detroit.
Red Wings Secure Productive Scorer
DeBrincat, 28, enjoyed one of the finest seasons of his NHL career in 2025-26, lighting the lamp 41 times and setting a personal best with 85 points in 82 games. He became the first Red Wing to eclipse the 40-goal mark since Marian Hossa accomplished the feat in 2008-09. That momentum has carried into the 2026-27 season despite the turbulence surrounding the team. Through the first six games, DeBrincat leads the club with four goals and eight points.
Tuesday night offered another reminder of his value. He scored twice and added an assist in a 5-4 overtime loss to the New Jersey Devils, with his second goal tying the game in the third period to force the extra session. Despite the disappointing result, DeBrincat was a force throughout.
"Critical is a really good word for him," head coach Todd McLellan said after the game. "It shows you exactly how important he is to our team, our organization."
With his previous contract set to expire after this season, DeBrincat would have been eligible for unrestricted free agency next summer. Now, he can focus solely on hockey.
Detroit Finally Getting Something Right
The timing of the extension is significant. The Red Wings have endured a rocky offseason and an equally frustrating start to the regular season. Former general manager Steve Yzerman transitioned to an advisory role in July, and the team waited until just before the season to name Shawn Horcoff as interim general manager. A permanent replacement is still being sought. Meanwhile, captain Dylan Larkin requested a trade during the offseason, and his future remains unclear. Restricted free agent Simon Edvinsson is not on the roster and returned to Sweden after training camp, with no updates on his status.
These issues have cast a shadow over the organization and its leadership. While the DeBrincat deal doesn't resolve any of them, it proves the team can finalize a major agreement and take decisive action.
DeBrincat had previously voiced his desire to stay in Detroit. "I love playing for the Red Wings. I love wearing that jersey and battling with those guys out there," he said during the NHL's player media tour last summer. His actions now align with his words—a rare occurrence for the franchise lately. It's a solid starting point.
Laura Lambert resides in Wiggins, Colo., with her husband, Ricky, and two sons, Brayden and Boedy. She attended the University of Northern Colorado, studying economics. An accomplished rodeo athlete and barrel horse trainer, Laura has held various journalism roles over the years. She is the publisher of several MLB and NHL sites on SI, including the Detroit Red Wings. She can be reached at [email protected].