Alex Debrincat's in the last year of his deal and is going to get a huge payday, and Toronto can leap on that opportunity to add a 40-goal scorer to their lineup.
For the last nine seasons, Alex Debrincat has not only been one of the most durable players in the entire league, but also one of the deadliest. Appearing in 410 straight games and showing no signs of slowing down, he's coming off a 41-goal season and was undisputedly Detroit's best offensive weapon last year.
But he's also a free agent next summer and his $7.875-million contract is no doubt going to get a bump as the forward is going to get a big increase that could easily flirt with double-digits. Detroit may not be able to afford what he's going to cost, and with the news that Dylan Larkin wants out and Steve Yzerman stepping down - he may be a casualty of some big turnover.
Debrincat solves the right-wing problem in Toronto
While there's nothing concrete or anything to point to a trade for Debrincat on the horizon, The Fourth Period's David Pagnotta believes that won't stop teams from seeing if there's a shot.
Fourth Period reported that with Larkin's request, other teams around the league are wondering if Debrincat is potentially available as well considering that he needs a new deal and Detroit could be going through a roster overhaul:
It is unclear if the Red Wings have an appetite to explore a trade involving DeBrincat...[but] TFP's David Pagnotta reports teams have reached out.
DeBrincat owns a 16-team no-trade list as part of his contract and does have some control in where he ends up, if dealt. The Edmonton Oilers, Chicago Blackhawks, Toronto Maple Leafs, New Jersey Devils, Seattle Kraken and Buffalo Sabres are some of the teams exploring the market for a top-line, scoring winger.
That's a pretty hefty list of teams looking for scoring and with heavy hitters in the market, it won't be easy. But the Maple Leafs being listed should be no surprise as they are desperate to add some top-six help on the right side and Debrincat solves it swimmingly.
He would be the perfect addition next to Auston Matthews and his dual-threat combination of playmaking and scoring gives that top line a Marner-esque weapon that they've lacked.
Remember, this is a guy who scored 332 points in only 191 games for the Erie Otters and is one of the greatest junior players of all time. He has carved out a great career thus far, and is deserving of that pay raise when it comes around.
Maple Leafs paying not only to extend Debrincat, but acquire him in the first place
Regarding that pay increase however, it's not going to come cheap. Firmly in his prime, Debrincat is going to cost a lot for a long time and the cost will go beyond the contract. Toronto will need to trade Easton Cowan at the very least, and don't be shocked if you hear Detroit wanting Matthew Knies involved.
Debrincat has to waive his trade protection, but for argument's sake let's say he does to come in. He's going to cost $65-70M on his next contract, and the Maple Leafs have to ensure they have enough money to keep Auston Matthews around too.
So you're paying a premium in Cowan and likely more prospects and picks, then committing a large chunk of your cap to a player who is in their prime years but will be in their mid-30s by the time the contract is done.
That's a lot for John Chayka to pay, and he would need a full commitment from Debrincat ahead of time before agreeing to a deal, and maybe if he's lucky could save a couple million if the appeal of winning means more than money.
But there's only a handful of players in the league who have the durability, offensive potential, consistency, and tenacity than Debrincat, and with only nine playoff games - the itch to play past April is clearly on his mind.
He'd get the perfect chance with the Maple Leafs but it's going to cost them a whole heck of a lot.
Would you trade Easton Cowan and Ben Danford for Alex Debrincat?
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