Right wing Alex DeBrincat and the Detroit Red Wings are finalizing a seven-year contract extension worth $13 million annually ($91 million total), sources told ESPN. DeBrincat, 28, was eligible for an extension this summer; the new collective bargaining agreement limits deals to seven years. The agreement is viewed as a major win for interim general manager Shawn Horcoff, who has authority from ownership to execute contracts. Horcoff still faces a trade request from former captain Dylan Larkin and must resolve the situation with unsigned restricted free agent defenseman Simon Edvinsson.
News broke after Detroit's 5-4 home loss to the New Jersey Devils in the NHL's Frozen Frenzy opener. DeBrincat recorded two goals and an assist, giving him a team-high eight points this season. The Red Wings sit last in the Atlantic Division at 1-3-2. Fan frustration peaked in the season opener when Larkin was booed and chants of "Sell the team!" targeted owner Chris Ilitch. The DeBrincat deal may ease tensions. In his 10th season, DeBrincat has 296 goals, 600 points, and has played a full 82-game schedule the past five years.
Source: ESPN NHL · Summarized by HeadlinesBriefing