A coaching change may have been Edmonton’s biggest headline this week, but it doesn’t appear to be the last. As the Oilers continue searching for the missing pieces of a Stanley Cup roster, a proven American sniper on an Original Six team has reportedly landed on their trade radar.
The front office appears determined to keep pushing its roster forward rather than standing pat. If the opportunity is there, Edmonton could look to make a splash by adding another elite finisher to support Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl.
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Alex DeBrincat has emerged as one of the latest names connected to the Edmonton Oilers after The Fourth Period insider David Pagnotta reported that several teams are exploring the market for a top-line scoring winger.
Pagnotta wrote, “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 and could have interest in DeBrincat.”
The report does not suggest that a trade is imminent or that Detroit is actively shopping DeBrincat. Instead, it points to early conversations around the league after captain Dylan Larkin’s trade request prompted rival executives to check on the availability of other Red Wings players.
DeBrincat and Connor McDavid developed outstanding chemistry during their time with the OHL’s Erie Otters, making the winger a natural candidate to slide into the Oilers’ top six. Coming off a season with 41 goals and 85 points, he would also provide the finishing ability Edmonton has long sought alongside one of hockey’s best playmakers.
Why Alex DeBrincat’s Pursuit Is Difficult for the Oilers
While the connection makes sense on paper, completing a deal would be far more difficult.
DeBrincat carries a $7.875 million cap hit and is entering the final season of his contract before becoming eligible for unrestricted free agency in 2027. Edmonton is already managing a tight salary cap while addressing other priorities, including its goaltending situation, making any blockbuster move financially complicated.
Detroit also has little reason to lower its asking price. DeBrincat produced a career-best campaign, recording 85 points while playing all 82 games. His offensive production, combined with strong underlying metrics, reinforces his value as one of the NHL’s premier scoring wingers.
Another hurdle is the potential trade package. Any deal would likely require premium assets, including high draft picks, top prospects, or established NHL talent. That is a significant price for a player with one season remaining on his current contract unless Edmonton is confident it can negotiate a long-term extension.
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For now, the Oilers remain one of several teams monitoring the situation rather than pushing toward a trade. Whether the discussions advance could ultimately depend less on Edmonton’s interest and more on how Steve Yzerman decides to reshape the Red Wings in an increasingly uncertain summer.
