At 28, Alex DeBrincat is approaching the prime of his career, and the Detroit Red Wings are watching his contract situation closely. The winger will hit unrestricted free agency on July 1, 2027, after completing the final year of a deal that averages $7.875 million per season.
Last season he posted a career‑high 41 goals and added 44 assists, placing him tied for 11th in the NHL scoring race. His 26 even‑strength goals topped the team, and his three 40‑plus goal seasons underline a consistency that has made him a cornerstone of the club.
A chemistry that fuels the offense
The connection between DeBrincat and veteran Patrick Kane has been a focal point of the Red Wings’ attack. Their on‑ice synergy has produced numerous scoring chances, and the coaching staff believes that chemistry can be the catalyst for a deeper playoff run.
Beyond the numbers, DeBrincat’s ties to Michigan run deep. His parents and close friends remain in the state, and he commands considerable respect in the locker room, a factor that the front office values as it maps out the next chapter.
Contract projections place his next deal in the $10.5 million to $12 million range, with many analysts expecting a figure at or above $11 million annually. The team’s management, led by general manager Steve Yzerman, is preparing to address the need for an additional offensive center to complement DeBrincat and Kane.
If the Red Wings can lock him in, the organization hopes to build around a core that includes Dylan Larkin, Andrew Copp, Kyle Connor and the emerging Marco Kasper, creating a balanced lineup that can compete against the Winnipeg Jets and other Western Conference rivals.