For Alex DeBrincat, joining hometown Red Wings is 'a dream come true'

DETROIT -- Growing up less than 30 minutes from downtown Detroit in Farmington Hills, Mich., it was always a dream for Alex DeBrincat to one day play for his hometown Detroit Red Wings.

That dream became reality for DeBrincat on Sunday night, when Detroit announced it acquired the 25-year-old forward via trade with the Ottawa Senators in exchange for forward Dominik Kubalik, defenseman prospect Donovan Sebrango, a conditional first-round pick and a fourth-round selection in the 2024 NHL Entry Draft. The Red Wings also announced they signed DeBrincat to a four-year contract.

"It's super exciting," DeBrincat said in an introductory Zoom call with the media on Monday. "Obviously growing up here and rooting for the Red Wings when I was younger, it's definitely a dream come true. I don't think anyone is happier than my parents. Everyone is happy. It's a good spot for me."

DeBrincat recorded 66 points on 27 goals and 39 assists in 82 games last season, his first with the Senators after being acquired by Ottawa in a trade with the Chicago Blackhawks on July 7, 2022.

Originally selected by Chicago in the second round (39th overall) of the 2016 Draft, DeBrincat has compiled 373 points (187-186-373) in 450 regular-season games with the Blackhawks and Senators since 2017-18, in addition to six points (2-4-6) in nine playoff contests.

"I think we're a better team today with Alex DeBrincat in the lineup," Red Wings Executive Vice President and General Manager Steve Yzerman said Monday. "I hope all the changes we made to the roster make us a more competitive team."

After Day 2 of 2023 NHL free agency last week, Yzerman said he was hopeful Detroit could add a "big-time" goal scorer before the start of the 2023-24 campaign. Acquiring DeBrincat, who ranks 12th among all NHL players in goals (100) over the past three seasons combined, gives the Red Wings a veteran piece that has scored goals in volume during his young career.

"He has shown he can score goals at every level," Yzerman said. "A very intelligent player and will fit in nicely on the wing with us, whoever our coach (Derek Lalonde) decides to play him with."

It became no secret that Ottawa was trying to move DeBrincat this summer, and Detroit was part of those rumors. Yzerman said trade talks with the Senators began in June shortly before this year's draft in Nashville.

"It wasn't long and laborious at all," Yzerman said. "We talked a little bit prior to the draft and prior to July 1. We really got the trade done quickly yesterday and was able to get a contract done quickly after that."

At 5-foot-8, 178 pounds, DeBrincat pointed out what he lacks in size he makes up for in toughness.

"I try not to back down from anyone," DeBrincat said. "I think being a smaller forward in the league, people try to bully you around. But that's something I try to not let get too out of hand. I think I can hold my own."

While addressing the media, DeBrincat reminisced about how his love for the sport was fueled by watching the Red Wings' Stanley Cup championship runs in 2002 and 2008.

"They were just so successful through my whole childhood," DeBrincat said. "It was so fun to watch and that's a big reason why I play the game. To get to that success is a goal of mine."

DeBrincat also recalled playing hockey in Farmington Hills as some of his fondest childhood memories.

"I played for the Farmington Hills Fire for quite a few years at Farmington Hills Ice Arena," DeBrincat said. "That rink is pretty special to me. Then I moved on to play for Victory Honda, which I've trained at for the past couple years too."

Now, DeBrincat is ready to make new memories with the Red Wings.

"You can see that the compete level is definitely higher," DeBrincat said. "You see a team that's maybe frustrated in being in a rebuild and wants to get out. I'm excited to be here, join that and hopefully be part of the solution to get out of that. I'm just really excited to join these guys and I see the potential in this group."