Detroit Red Wings forward Alex DeBrincat linked to the Edmonton Oilers: It would be a substantial trade

The Edmonton Oilers don't have a lot of cap space as we get closer to training camp, but still, rumors about Stan Bowman acquiring other forwards keep circulating.

Bowman made massive changes to his forward group in the offseason, but according to a new report from The Hockey Writers, the GM could be interested in going after another talented scorer: Detroit Red Wings' Alex DeBrincat.

Following two disappointing losses in the Stanley Cup Finals, the Oilers needed to make some changes to the team. Many experts believed Edmonton would focus on the defensive and goaltending unit, but Bowman targeted forwards instead.

If he wants to keep going that way, going after DeBrincat, if he were to become available, would make sense.

DeBrincat has a 16-team no-trade list in his contract, which expires at the end of the 2026-27 season.

The opportunity to play with Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl could entice him to accept a move to Edmonton. DeBrincat also played in the OHL alongside McDavid with the Erie Otters.

But for Yzerman to consider trading him, the Oilers would need to make a massive offer. That's why if the Oilers were to pursue DeBrincat, waiting until the end of his contract in Detroit would be the smart choice.

The 27-year-old forward scored 70 points, including 39 goals, in 82 games with the Wings last season. It's hard to predict what numbers he could hit on a power-play unit with McDavid and Draisaitl over the course of an 82-game season.

Although DeBrincat could be open to moving to Edmonton, and the Oilers could be interested in acquiring him, it would still be surprising to see such a trade happen.

I believe the most realistic option would be seeing the Oilers going after DeBrincat in free agency in two years, if Yzerman hasn't already locked him down.

However, other trades between the Oilers and the Red Wings are rumored to be brewing.