Questions continue to swirl regarding how the Detroit Red Wings’ recent management overhaul will shape the team’s roster moving forward.
As reported previously, much of the discussion has centered on whether captain Dylan Larkin might withdraw his trade request following Steve Yzerman’s departure from the general manager role. To date, there is no sign the 29-year-old center has reversed his stance.
Separately, Max Bultman of The Athletic examined how the leadership change could impact Alex DeBrincat’s future with the club.
Like Larkin, the 28-year-old DeBrincat is a Michigan native who grew up supporting the Red Wings. Brought in by Yzerman via a 2023 trade with the Ottawa Senators, DeBrincat has been a top offensive contributor, highlighted by a career-high 85 points last season, including 41 goals for the third time in his nine-year NHL career.
DeBrincat enters the final year of his contract carrying a $7.875 million salary cap hit and a 16-team no-trade clause. He is scheduled to reach unrestricted free agency next summer.
Other notable Red Wings set to hit free agency include center Andrew Copp, defenseman Justin Faulk, goaltender John Gibson, and forward Mason Appleton.
The executive who replaces Yzerman will need to determine whether to maintain the current core and pursue a playoff berth next season or begin moving tradable assets for draft capital, prospects, and younger talent.
Should a rebuild be pursued, DeBrincat, Copp, Faulk, Gibson, and Appleton could follow Larkin out of Detroit, assuming the captain still wishes to depart.
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In Vancouver, speculation has emerged that Seattle Kraken center Shane Wright may be drawing interest from a nearby club.
Kraken management is said to be collaborating with the 22-year-old’s agent to identify a viable trade partner. Ben Kuzma of The Province reports that sources indicate the Vancouver Canucks are Wright’s preferred destination given the team’s long-term potential following its rebuild.
Wright was selected fourth overall by Seattle in the 2022 NHL Draft. After a strong 2024-25 campaign with 44 points, a coaching change led to reduced output and ice time this past season.
Kuzma added that Wright has one year remaining on his entry-level deal, providing extra incentive to produce. A strong showing could lead the Canucks to offer a long-term extension.
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The Seattle Kraken have mostly been a letdown in their brief time as a team, and young Kraken center Shane Wright also has disappointed. The Kraken are set to trade Wright, but what type of changes should the team aim for?
Appearing on Oilers Now with Bob Stauffer, Canucks insider Rick Dhaliwal confirmed Vancouver’s interest in Wright. However, Seattle has set a high asking price, reportedly seeking a promising young defenseman such as Tom Willander or Zeev Buium in return.
The Kraken have made clear they expect fair value and will not be rushed into a deal. If no team meets their demands, they are prepared to keep Wright in their lineup this season.