DETROIT - The Red Wings might be keeping one key piece of their roster.
The Wings and forward Alex DeBrincat, according to NHL Network/Sportsnet Canada's Elliotte Friedman, are nearing a new seven-year contract worth $91 million ($13 million annual average value).
DeBrincat had two goals - he has four on the season - and an assist Tuesday, October 13th, as the Wings lost 5-4 in overtime to New Jersey.
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"Critical is a real good word for him," said coach Todd McLellan, as to what DeBrincat means to the Wings currently. "It shows how exactly how important he is to our team and organization. We need him."
DeBrincat is coming off a 41-goal season, which led the Wings last season.
Signing DeBrincat would be one big mark off interim general manager Shawn Horcoff's to-do list. The Wings and Simon Edvinsson have not yet been able to negotiate a new contract, and Dylan Larkin's trade request remains intact.
tkulfan@detroitnews.com
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This article originally appeared on The Detroit News: Wings reportedly nearing contract extension with DeBrincat