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Ex-Blackhawks fan favourite set to break franchise payroll with future contract extension

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Jack Sutherland
October 9, 2025 (2:07 PM)

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Former Chicago Blackhawks fan favorite Alex DeBrincat could potentially receive a very handsome contract with his next deal thanks to the rise in the NHL salary cap, which is expected to come soon.

Not many fans of the Chicago Blackhawks would have ever believed that not one but 2 former fan favorites in Patrick Kane and Alex DeBrincat would play for the former divisional foe Detroit Red Wings, but that's the current situation.

And DeBrincat, who has 2 years left on his deal with the Red Wings he signed after being traded for in 2023 from the Ottawa Senators, could cash in when it's time for him to sign a new contract.

Per NHL analyst Elliotte Friedman on a recent "32 Thoughts" podcast, the NHL salary cap could rise to as much as $107 million.

"I've had a couple of people mention the number 107 to me. As you mentioned, it was supposed to be 104 next year, but I'm hearing the number 107 come up. I think there are some people who really think even the year after, where it's temporarily at least in pencil for 113, that that could go even higher."

Multiple high-profile players have played for both the Blackhawks and Red Wings

As Original 6 foes, the Blackhawks and Red Wings have had many heated battles during both the regular season and playoffs, most recently in 2013 when Brent Seabrook broke Detroit's hearts with a deflected shot past Jimmy Howard in OT of Game 7 in the WCSF.

Players like Chris Chelios, Marian Hossa, Alex DeBrincat, Patrick Kane, Bob Probert, Martin Lapointe, and Paul Coffey have all played for both sides of the rivalry, which was once as fierce as any rivalry in the NHL.

Ex-Red Wings head coach Jeff Blashill now has that role with the Blackhawks.

Previously on Chicago Hockey Insider

Winnipeg Jets complete transaction with Jonathan Toews ahead of season opener

800 game NHL veteran announces his retirement from hockey at age 36

Seth Jones issues public apology to the Chicago Blackhawks for ugly breakup last season

POLL
OCTOBRE 9 \| 105 ANSWERS Ex-Blackhawks fan favourite set to break franchise payroll with future contract extension Will Alex DeBrincat ever play for the Blackhawks again?
Yes	16	15.2 %
No	89	84.8 %
List of polls

Ex-Blackhawks fan favourite set to break franchise payroll with future contract extension

Former Chicago Blackhawks fan favorite Alex DeBrincat could potentially receive a very handsome contract with his next deal thanks to the rise in the NHL salary cap, which is expected to come soon.

Multiple high-profile players have played for both the Blackhawks and Red Wings

Will Alex DeBrincat ever play for the Blackhawks again?