DeBrincat Discusses Larkin Trade, Contract Plans and Kane

NHL DeBrincat Discusses Larkin Trade, Contract Plans and Kane

By Nemanja Milosavljević

September 9, 2026 • 6:02 AM EDT

Updated 2 hours ago

DeBrincat Discusses Larkin Trade, Contract Plans and Kane

With Red Wings training camp about to start, things are getting messy off the ice. You’ve got uncertainty swirling around the vacant general manager position and, even wilder, a trade request from captain Dylan Larkin. That’s not what anyone in Detroit wanted with just over a week before the players hit the ice again.

Larkin, a hometown guy and the captain since 2021, caught everyone off-guard when word of his trade request went public in June. That shock only grew after Steve Yzerman stepped down as general manager about a month later. Both moves have left a Red Wings locker room full of questions.

Forward Alex DeBrincat, now heading into his second Detroit season after arriving via trade last year, is right in the middle of it all. Representing the Red Wings at the NHL/NHLPA North American Player Media Tour in Vegas, DeBrincat didn’t hide the fact that Larkin’s trade request stings, both personally and for the team. But he says it doesn’t change how the room feels about their captain. According to Yahoo Sports, DeBrincat put it bluntly: it sucks, but Larkin is still every bit a great player, teammate and friend. For now, everyone’s just glad to see him at the rink, even if the future is hazy.

While questions swirl, DeBrincat himself is showing zero itch to move on. He told NHL.com that, even with a pending general manager hire likely leading to some conversations, his view hasn’t changed — he wants to keep wearing the Winged Wheel. “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.” That matters because stability feels rare in Detroit right now, and DeBrincat is one of the few certainties the franchise can lean on.

Ripples from Larkin’s Trade Request

Let’s be honest, a trade request from your captain can shape a franchise’s future. Larkin’s status impacts not just the locker room mood but how the front office approaches everything from contracts to long-term planning. The GM vacancy only adds to the anxiety, with no clear decision-maker to answer the tough questions.

Dylan Larkin’s trade request became public in early June, leaving the captain’s future in doubt.
Steve Yzerman stepped away from GM duties in July, stacking uncertainty in the front office.
Alex DeBrincat publicly reaffirmed his commitment to the team, signaling a desire for stability.
Patrick Kane, lured to Detroit by DeBrincat, has now departed for Chicago, taking leadership and chemistry out of the lineup.
DeBrincat reached 40 goals last season, a feat not seen in Detroit since Marian Hossa in 2008-09.

Patrick Kane’s Exit and What’s Next

It’s not just Larkin making waves. Patrick Kane signed a two-year, $18 million deal with Chicago, a big loss for Detroit that DeBrincat admits is tough to swallow. He talked up the leadership Kane brought, their personal friendship, plus the impact on their kids — showing you, sometimes, these moves hit far deeper than most people realize.

But DeBrincat also said he’s glad Kane went back to his old club: it makes sense for the Stanley Cup legend and gives Detroit more flexibility to shape its identity moving forward.

Representing Home — and Owning the Pressure

What stands out is how much DeBrincat wants to be the guy for his hometown team. Last season, he was Detroit’s first 40-goal scorer in over a decade. His contract pays nearly $8 million a year, and that number is set to go up in any future deal. Still, what he emphasises isn’t money, but pride. “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.” That’s a locker room that isn’t ready to fold, no matter what headlines say.

Key Takeaways for Bettors

Larkin’s future uncertain: Team structure and leadership could shift.
Yzerman out as GM: Red Wings front office in flux, and short-term strategies may change.
DeBrincat all-in: Bank on him sticking with Detroit, which means consistent top-line production.
Kane departure: Reduces immediate offensive firepower but also frees up cap for possible moves.
The vibe inside the club: Don’t buy into doom and gloom; Detroit’s players still have serious pride and motivation.
Watch for big season from DeBrincat: His contract year and hometown motivation mean he’ll be key in prop bets.
If Larkin does move, there could be ripple effects across the lineup — watch how it affects other players’ usage and point totals.

More coverage: NHL news coverage, our NHL betting analysis and today’s NHL picks.

Frequently Asked Questions

Dylan Larkin’s trade request surprised many fans and players, but the article does not specify his reasons, instead focusing on reactions and the impact on the team.

Alex DeBrincat has made it clear he wants to stay with the Red Wings. Despite the uncertainty in management, he says he loves playing for Detroit and his intention is to stick around.

Patrick Kane’s decision to leave for Chicago impacted Detroit both on and off the ice. His skill, leadership, and chemistry, especially with DeBrincat, were important, but his exit also creates room for new moves.

With no general manager currently in place, Detroit faces uncertainty in strategy and future trades or contracts, making this a transition period for the franchise.

DeBrincat says Larkin is still respected and liked in the room. The trade request hasn’t changed their view of him as a great player and teammate, and they’re happy to have him around for now.

With leadership shifts and the loss of Kane, expect lineup changes and possible value opportunities, particularly around top talent like DeBrincat and potential ripple effects from a Larkin trade.

DeBrincat was the first Red Wing since Marian Hossa in 2008-09 to score 40 goals, highlighting his importance as a key offensive piece for Detroit.