The Cat is Back: Red Wings’ Welcome Alex DeBrincat, Yzerman Discusses the Big Move

Yesterday marked a significant moment for the Detroit Red Wings as they finally fulfilled their long-awaited ambition of acquiring Alex DeBrincat. A formidable goalscorer who promises to help re-shape their future. In the exchange to bring the hometown kid back home, Detroit bid farewell to Dominik Kubalik and Donovan Sebrango along with a conditional 1st round pick, and a 2024 4th round pick.

Following the trade, Detroit wasted no time in securing Alex with a 4-year, $7.85 million contract extension—a favorable deal that aligns with Yzerman’s desired term and price.

During today’s press conference, DeBrincat revealed his intention to don the #93 while playing for Detroit. When asked about his choice, he attributed it to his brother’s birth year meanwhile, the number he had worn during his time playing as a young kid with Victory Honda here in Plymouth, Michigan.

Debrincat on Coming Home to the Red Wings

In his inaugural media session as a member of the Red Wings, Alex DeBrincat exceeded expectations. Participating via Zoom, he donned a vibrant retro teal-themed Pistons hat, radiating excitement and fulfilling his lifelong dream of playing for his beloved hometown.

During the session Alex enthusiastically discussed the numerous benefits of joining the Detroit Red Wings, including the opportunity to be closer to his family and allow his parents to spend quality time with their grandson. However, what may have altered Alex’s decision? Was a round of golf with none other than Red Wings Captain Dylan Larkin. He spoke about how the two, accompanied by a few others, hit the golf course. Meanwhile, Larkin broached the possibility of them playing together, turning what was once a conversation into a remarkable reality.

DeBrincat shared his thoughts on the current state of the Red Wings and how what his expectations are while joining a team in this transitional stage.

Yeah obviously early in my career it was deep in the rebuild and in these past couple years you can see that the compete level is definitely there and been higher. You see a team that’s frustrated with being in a rebuild and wants to get out. So I’m excited to be here and kind of join that and hopefully be part of the solution to get out of that. I’m just really excited to to join these guys and I definitely see the potential in this group.

I think that this team’s a good fit for me and obviously hopefully we can get back into the playoffs. Obviously that’s everyone’s goal and well hopefully it’s sooner than later. We just gotta keep growing as a team and just put in the work to get back there.

Yzerman Speaks on DeBrincat Trade

During today’s interview, Steve Yzerman was questioned about the appeal of adding a player of DeBrincat’s caliber to the team and the significance of having a reliable sniper and goal scorer in the lineup. In response, Yzerman said

They’re just limited number of actual, like what we call goal-scorers. I don’t know what the true definition of a goal scorer is, but they’re just aren’t a lot of them around the league, guys that can get it on their stick and anytime they shoot it, it looks like it has a chance of going in. I think we categorize Alex in that mold. As a sniper, you know just one shot can change a game. 

Yzerman further discussed the advantages of bringing a player back to his hometown, emphasizing the positive implications it can have for both the player and the organization. He highlighted how the deal worked perfectly for both sides, underscoring the mutual benefits and the potential impact it can have on the player’s performance and the team’s overall dynamics.

Generally I think every player signs somewhere. If they’re free agents, they wanna be there for some reason. I think the players with local ties, I think there’s an added benefit to it.

I think really when you target a specific place for the right reasons. For very good reasons and not just going to get the top dollar. I think a player’s more invested in it. So I think It is really good in our market to have players with local ties.A lot of our fan base may have gone to school, may have played minor hockey against these guys, or maybe even played minor hockey with them. So I feel it’s good for the organization.

 Ultimately, I want really good players. I don’t care where they’re from, but I think it is a bonus. I think there is some value in having these players that wanna play in Detroit. In these particular cases they wanna play here and are interested in playing here because they have some local ties.

I think it’s a little bit of an added bonus to have some of the local players with Dylan, Andrew Copp,  Austin Czarnik in the organization as well to have some local ties. 

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