DeBrincat wants ‘obviously to stay’ with Red Wings despite team’s uncertainty

LAS VEGAS -- Alex DeBrincat wants to stay with the Detroit Red Wings despite Dylan Larkin’s trade request, Patrick Kane’s departure and the ongoing search for a general manager.

DeBrincat, who grew up in the Detroit area, led the Red Wings in goals (41) and points (85) last season. In three seasons with them, he has scored 107 goals, 10 more than his closest teammate, Larkin.

The 28-year-old forward is entering the final season of a four-year, $31.5 million contract ($7.875 average annual value) he signed with the Red Wings on July 9, 2023. He is eligible to sign an extension, but talks are on hold due to the GM situation.

“When a new GM (is announced), I’m sure there’s going to be some conversations, but you know, as of right now, my opinion hasn’t changed,” DeBrincat said at the NHL/NHLPA North American Player Media Tour on Tuesday. “I love playing for the Red Wings. I love wearing that jersey and battling with those guys out there. My intention is obviously to stay in Detroit. We’ll see what happens, I guess.”

This is a tough time in Detroit.

The Red Wings have failed to qualify for the Stanley Cup Playoffs for 10 straight seasons, the longest drought in their 100-year history. Larkin, their captain and No. 1 center, requested a trade after last season. They announced July 15 that Steve Yzerman would become a senior adviser to owner Chris Ilitch after seven seasons as GM and that they would search for their “next leader of hockey operations.”

Amid the uncertainty, Kane signed a two-year, $16 million contract ($8 million AAV) with the Chicago Blackhawks on July 23, returning to the team with which he won several individual awards from 2007-2023 and the Stanley Cup in 2010, 2013 and 2015. DeBrincat played with Kane in Chicago from 2017-22 and in Detroit the past three seasons, and they had great chemistry on and off the ice.

“It (stinks) for me and for our team,” DeBrincat said. “He was a big part of our team, obviously skill-wise but also leadership-wise. For me, he’s one of my best friends. He’s a guy I hang out with. Our kids are great friends. In that aspect of it, it (stinks). But if he’s going to go anywhere, I’m happy he went to Chicago. I feel like him going back home is probably the story that needed to be written.”

DeBrincat said he is thinking less about the GM situation and his contract as the season approaches. Training camp opens Sept. 17. The Red Wings open the season against the New York Rangers at Little Caesars Arena in Detroit on Oct. 2 (6:30 p.m. ET; HBO MAX, truTV, TNT).

“You know, at the start, change is scary for anyone,” he said. “It’s just something new. And now I’m more just focused on myself and training and getting back with the guys. That’s out of mind for right now. It’s definitely something where I’m just excited to start this season, and there’s something new I can worry about. Just getting ready for the season is my biggest priority.”

The players have been skating informally at Little Caesars Arena, and DeBrincat said Larkin has been around the rink. How has he been received after his trade request?

“From my perspective, he’s a great teammate, he’s a great friend of mine, and that’s a decision he made,” DeBrincat said. “That’s about as far as I’m going to go there. He’s always been a great teammate to me and a great friend. I feel like at this moment our team is definitely better with him, and he’s still our leader. He’s still one of our best players. That’s the way it is.”

DeBrincat said the players are upbeat and coming together under the circumstances.

“I know everyone in that room has immense pride in putting on that jersey and playing for the Detroit Red Wings,” he said. “From the outside looking in, I could see how you think it’s maybe doom and gloom, but in the locker room, everyone’s excited to go and ready to play and ready to show people what we’re made of, and I think a lot of people are probably doubting us this year. …

“Definitely with all the noise this summer, we’re getting together a lot. When everyone’s in town, we’re going to do some things, and throughout training camp, we’re going to do the same. I feel like not much has changed, honestly.”

DeBrincat said this is an opportunity for the Red Wings to improve.

“I think when something happens like this, it’s a good time to take a look in the mirror and see what we really are and what we can change and what we need to do,” he said. “I think it’s the same as a coach getting fired. It’s not necessarily the coach’s fault.

“I think it’s a good time to take a step back and realize what we need to change in different aspects. Off the ice, on the ice, a lot of different aspects, you can take a step away and really see what got us to this point and how we’re going to change it.”