Journalist reveals dispute between Alex DeBrincat and the Detroit Red Wings

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Ryan Hall
June 3, 2024 (11:16)

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This offseason for the Detroit Red Wings will weigh heavier on their organization more than others as they were within inches of making the playoffs but failed to do so.

One star forward who will need to find his consistency is former Blackhawks star Alex Debrincat.

Debrincat who began with the Blackhawks for four years was traded to the Ottawa Senators on July 7/20/22. He made it known that he had no desire to remain with the senators long term which in turn sent Debrincat to the Detroit Red Wings where he signed a four-year $31.5 million contract.

A fixture on their top six, expectations were high that to bring cat would recreate another forty-goal season with the Red Wings as their star power and overall team construction improved over the past two years.

His consistency factor dropped in the second half of this season where he only managed to score one goal in 20 games which was likely a partial cause of the Red Wings missing the playoffs. Had the consistency continued, it's likely his goals would have helped win more games and put them in.

"Same way as a team, a lot of ups and downs," DeBrincat said via Bob Duff of Detroit Hockey Now. "I would have loved to have been more consistent."

It appears the Detroit organization is not concerned with his overall play even though he went long stretches without scoring a goal. Head coach Derek Lalonde gave his thoughts on the Debrincat's game and how he felt.

"Even though some of those stretches where he wasn't scoring, he had chances," said Red Wings coach Derek Lalonde. "I was not concerned."

Depending on how general manager Steve Yzerman handles the offseason an unrestricted free agency, it's quite possible the Red Wings could add a piece or two which could help compliment Debrincat and turn him back into the player the Red Wings had hoped when they signed him.