The hockey world was hit with a major shocker on Thursday, as Sportsnet's Elliotte Friedman reported [https://www.sportsnet.ca/nhl/article/sources-dylan-larkin-requests-trade-from-detroit/] that star center Dylan Larkin has requested a trade from the Detroit Red Wings. With the Boston Bruins being in desperate need of a first-line center, he is undoubtedly a player the Black and Gold should kick tires on this summer [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/boston-bruins/latest-news/bruins-need-to-trade-for-red-wings-star-center-right-now]. However, Larkin is not the only Red Wings player who the Bruins should consider targeting. If the Red Wings make forward Alex DeBrincat available, the Bruins should strongly make a push for him. DeBrincat is entering the final season of his contract in 2026-27. Given how well he has played for the Red Wings since his arrival, it is likely that they will work hard to keep him around. However, if extension talks do not go well between the Red Wings and DeBrincat this summer and Detroit makes him available, it would be smart for the Bruins to try to land him. The Bruins desperately need another star winger in their top six, and acquiring DeBrincat would provide them with just that. His stats from this season show this, as he had 41 goals and 85 points in 82 games. With numbers like these, he would be a major addition to a Bruins club that desperately needs more scoring. While Larkin should be Boston's top trade target from Detroit, the Bruins should also keep an eye on DeBrincat this summer. He would have the potential to be a great fit on a Bruins club that is looking to take another step forward in 2026-27.
