DeBrincat Being Linked To Oilers

Alex DeBrincat is a possible Edmonton Oilers acquisition after Dylan Larkin’s trade request put Detroit’s roster plans into question. His $7.875 million will be hard for the Oilers to add unless they clear some cap space (Darnell Nurse trade).

The 28-year-old winger registered 41 goals and 44 assists for 85 points in 82 games last season. He is a two-time 40-goal scorer. DeBrincat offers Edmonton elite offensive production.

DeBrincat’s connection with Connor McDavid and Edmonton’s top-six needs make them a perfect match. McDavid and DeBrincat played together in the OHL with the Erie Otters.

The forward is in the last year of his four-year contract worth $31.5 million. His contract status may influence Detroit’s decision-making regarding potential trades.

Edmonton is very much in win-now mode and is actively looking to acquire a forward who can play in their top six. This search is aimed at strengthening the team’s offensive lineup and addressing a key roster need. The Oilers showed a lack of depth scoring in the 2026 NHL playoffs due to injuries.

DeBrincat to Oilers Makes Sense

Adding a scoring threat like DeBrincat, who is still in his prime, makes a lot of sense for Edmonton. However, they will need to move out a large chunk of cap space to fit him into their lineup.

Trading Darnell Nurse and his $9.25 million is the most likely step. The Oilers are considering trading defenseman Nurse during the offseason. The move is being explored as part of the team’s broader strategy to adjust its roster and salary cap structure. No agreement has been reached, and a trade is not guaranteed at this stage.

Bob Stauffer, the host of Oilers Now, has suggested that if Nurse is traded, the Oilers could reallocate his $9.25 million cap hit. The proposal involves acquiring a $7 million forward to boost scoring depth and a $2–3 million shutdown defenseman to maintain defensive stability.

Adding DeBrincat falls pretty well into that strategy, even though he’s almost an $8 million player. Although he would be a great fit with the Oilers, David Pagnotta from thefourthperiod.com is reporting that the Chicago Blackhawks, Toronto Maple Leafs, New Jersey Devils, Seattle Kraken, and Buffalo Sabres are all potential landing spots.