Alex DeBrincat locked in his future with Detroit. The Red Wings right wing signed a seven-year extension worth $91 million, or $13 million per year, keeping him in a Wings uniform through the 2031-32 season.
DeBrincat arrived in Detroit as a rental piece at the deadline last season. The organization liked what they saw enough to commit serious money and term. He's become the team's leading scorer this season, which tells you where the Wings are investing their cap space.
This deal signals Detroit's belief that DeBrincat is a cornerstone piece as they try to climb back into playoff contention. The Wings have been rebuilding for years. Landing a 26-year-old scoring threat and locking him down long-term represents real progress on that front.
Even in a loss to New Jersey on Tuesday, DeBrincat recorded two goals and an assist. That's the type of production the Wings are banking on to turn things around. Seven years is a substantial commitment, but at $13 million annually, it's not an albatross deal. This is how you build around a talent.