Detroit Red Wings
· 2026-07-14
The Detroit Red Wings are currently 10th in the Eastern Conference with a 41-31 record, on a three-game winning streak.
The Red Wings' top-six forward group has been depleted, with Dylan Larkin requesting a trade and Patrick Kane not wanting to re-sign in Detroit. However, Alex DeBrincat, the team's best goal-scorer, is signed through the end of the year and has been a staple of the Red Wings' second line alongside Kane.
DeBrincat has been one of the team's most productive players in his tenure in Detroit, becoming the first player in over a decade and a half to score over 40 goals for the team. He averages 18 minutes a night, which is lower than the 20ish minutes the Red Wings' top-line players do. Despite this, DeBrincat's expected goal-scoring percentage is higher than that of any member of the team's usual top line.
The Red Wings have no reason not to put DeBrincat on the top line with Lucas Raymond and Dylan Larkin. This would not only help to drive the Red Wings' offense but also alleviate pressure on some of the team's younger players, such as Marco Kasper and Emmitt Finnie. With DeBrincat partnered with Larkin and Raymond, the second line would be able to field two experienced veterans in Andrew Copp and Viktor Arvidsson to help the development of Finnie.
The Red Wings' best option for now is to put DeBrincat on the top line, and fans should be able to stomach this move. DeBrincat's only signed through the end of the year, and Larkin still wants out, but this could be a temporary solution to the team's problems.
The Red Wings need to make the most of the situation and put their best goal-scorer in a position to succeed. By doing so, they can drive their offense and alleviate pressure on their younger players. It's time for the Red Wings to let the cat out of the bag and give DeBrincat the opportunity to shine on the top line.