Detroit Red Wings forward Alex DeBrincat said that while he dropped the gloves on Thursday evening, it's probably not what the most central element of his game should be.
He's not the most physically imposing player in the NHL, but Detroit Red Wings forward Alex DeBrincat has never shied away from dropping the gloves when necessary.
DeBrincat did exactly that Thursday evening during Detroit's preseason matchup with divisional rival Buffalo Sabres, squaring off against Trevor Kuntar in the third period of what ultimately became a 3-2 overtime victory for the Red Wings.
DeBrincat not only received a fighting major but also scored the overtime game-winner. His job is to score goals, not serve as an on-ice sheriff, but that doesn't mean he'll hesitate to step in when he feels it's necessary.
"It is what it is; it was an intense game," DeBrincat said afterward. "I think in the pile, he (Kuntar) had done some stuff earlier in the game, too. He came in hard and, you know, I just saw red. I probably shouldn't be fighting, but it is what it is. It was an intense game out there, so we have to play hard and do what we need to do."
When asked whether head coach Todd McLellan had told him to avoid fighting to reduce the risk of injury, DeBrincat said they have not had that conversation.
"He's not said anything, but he might say something now," DeBrincat said with a smile.
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While head coach Todd McLellan confirmed that DeBrincat would hear from him later regarding his fight, it would only be for positive reasons.
"He's gonna hear from me for sure, and I'm going to pat him on the back and say, 'That's Cat,' and that he's competitive and we have no problem with that," McLellan said. "I thought he showed leadership, and sometimes that triggers a guy to really get ready for the season.
"If Cat thinks he's going to hear from me in a negative way, that won't be the case," McLellan continued. "I'll pat him on the back and say, 'Hell of a job tonight.'"
While some coaches may shudder at one of their prize goal-scoring forwards potentially risking injury in a fight, McLellan clearly values DeBrincat's intensity and leadership qualities that are displayed in his rare but intense bouts.
Detroit can't afford to lose DeBrincat, who is set to become an unrestricted free agent in the summer of 2027, to any kind of injury. While some coaches may discourage their star scorers from dropping the gloves, DeBrincat apparently has the green light from McLellan to do so.
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