Alex DeBrincat: Powers Red Wings to Victory with Two Goals and Assist

Alex DeBrincat continued his strong performance against the Anaheim Ducks, scoring two goals, including the game-winning power-play goal, and adding an even-strength assist in the Detroit Red Wings' 6-3 victory. Since his move to Detroit and reuniting with Patrick Kane, DeBrincat has maintained consistent production, recording 27 goals and 66 points in 82 games with Ottawa in 2022-23, followed by 27 goals and 67 points in 82 games with Detroit last season. He is under contract with the Red Wings for four years at $31.5 million, running through 2026-27, providing stability he hasn't had since his Chicago days. Playing alongside high-end forwards like Dylan Larkin, Lucas Raymond, or Patrick Kane is expected to benefit his production. Fantasy managers should expect a minimum of 25 goals and 65 points, with the potential for 40 goals and 80 points. DeBrincat has two career 40-goal seasons and two seasons with over 75 points. His pairing with Dylan Larkin is anticipated to be mutually beneficial, potentially helping DeBrincat surpass 30 goals and 70 points in 2023-24. Previously with Chicago, he scored 41 goals as a 24-year-old, setting career highs in shots on goal (270) and power-play points (28). Joining the Senators, he was expected to be a high-end fantasy producer alongside players like Brady Tkachuk and Tim Stutzle. In a previous season, he scored 32 goals, trailing only Auston Matthews and Connor McDavid, and displayed chemistry with Patrick Kane, scoring at a 50-goal pace with a career-high 20.6 shooting percentage. He accounted for over 20 percent of Chicago's goals and led the team in power-play and game-winning tallies. With additions to the Blackhawks roster, he was expected to have a deeper supporting cast. DeBrincat struggled in 2019-20 with 18 goals in 70 games after scoring 41 in 2018-19, but his team-leading 10 power-play goals suggested bad luck rather than a lack of talent, with a strong bounce-back season anticipated. As a sophomore in 2018-19, he tied for sixth in the NHL with 41 goals and added 35 assists for 76 points, showing he wasn't a one-trick pony. He was expected to continue his elite fantasy production, potentially exceeding 80 points. As a rookie in 2017-18, he led the Blackhawks in goals (28) and totaled 52 points, playing primarily with Patrick Kane and Nick Schmaltz, and was projected to top 30 goals and 60 points in his sophomore season. He had previously put up significant numbers in major junior hockey, with 167 goals and 165 assists in 191 games, and was expected to start in a top-six role with Chicago, making him an intriguing option in redraft leagues and a must-own in dynasty formats.