Alex DeBrincat

Verified Timeline

Lore & Background

DeBrincat's path to the pros began with a commitment to play college hockey at the University of Massachusetts Amherst, but he pivoted after being scouted by Erie Otters general manager Sherwood Bassin. Following an impressive performance against the Soo Indians where he scored three goals and added two assists, DeBrincat signed with the Otters on April 28, 2014. His rookie 2014–15 season was historic; he became the first rookie in Erie Otters history to score over 50 goals (51) and 100 points (104) in a single year, earning the Emms Family Award as OHL Rookie of the Year and the CHL Rookie of the Year trophy. He continued this dominance by becoming the first player in franchise history with consecutive 50-goal seasons and later the first in Erie Otters history to hit the 50-goal and 100-point marks in three consecutive seasons.

In Their Own Story

During his final junior season in 2016–17, DeBrincat cemented his legacy as an offensive force. He surpassed Rob Schremp to become the all-time leading goal scorer from the United States in OHL history and joined Dale McCourt as the only players to score 50 goals in three consecutive seasons. His season culminated with him winning the Red Tilson Trophy, Eddie Powers Memorial Trophy, and Jim Mahon Memorial Trophy while leading the Otters to a J. Ross Robertson Cup victory, though they lost the Memorial Cup finals to Windsor. Transitioning to the NHL for the 2017–18 season, DeBrincat made his debut on October 4, scoring his first goal against Carey Price of the Montreal Canadiens. He quickly showcased his elite finishing touch with three hat-tricks as a rookie: one against the Anaheim Ducks on November 27, another against the Detroit Red Wings on January 26, and a third against the St. Louis Blues on March 18. This feat made him the first Blackhawk rookie to record three hat-tricks in a single season.

Reader's Guide

DeBrincat's professional journey with the Chicago Blackhawks began immediately after his junior career ended. In his rookie campaign, he navigated scoring streaks and droughts while playing on lines with veterans like Patrick Sharp. His production surged in the 2018–19 season before a slump occurred during 2019–20, particularly when removed from power-play units. However, his offensive numbers rebounded strongly during the pandemic-shortened 2020–21 season, where he maintained a pace of over one point per game. This consistency carried into the following year, earning him a spot at the NHL All-Star Game and securing his second career 40-goal season with the Blackhawks before eventually moving to the Detroit Red Wings.

Did You Know?

• DeBrincat is the first player in Erie Otters history to score 50 goals and 100 points in three consecutive seasons.
• He became the second-youngest player in Chicago Blackhawks franchise history to score a hat trick as a rookie, behind Bobby Hull who accomplished the feat at age 18.
• As a child, his favorite NHL player was Pavel Datsyuk, who played for the Detroit Red Wings from 2001 to 2016.
• DeBrincat scored five goals in a single game on October 1, 2015, against the Saginaw Spirit during his second OHL season.
• He was the first rookie in Erie Otters franchise history to record 50 goals and 100 points in a single season (2014–15).