Nine Americans ranked among the NHL’s top 35 scorers in 2024-25 and Detroit Red Wings forward Alex DeBrincat was the only member of that group not invited to next week’s Michigan-based U.S. Olympic Orientation camp.

Fans in general, Detroit fans in particular, seem stunned by his omission, but DeBrincat probably isn’t.

DeBrincat is entering his ninth NHL campaign, averaging 31.6 goals per season, and it still feels like the 5-foot-8 forward has to prove himself. During his draft year, he was a first-round talent who slipped to Chicago in the second round because scouts believed him to be too small. Team USA cut DeBrincat in his final season of eligibility for the World Junior Championships, even though at the time he showed 132 goals in 156 games over three seasons with the Erie Otters.

With the hockey world doubting him, he made the Blackhawks without playing a single game in the American Hockey League. He scored 28 goals in his rookie NHL season and still could not finish better than 10th in the Calder Trophy voting.

DeBrincat Always Underappreciated

DeBrincat has never received the appreciation his performance level warrants. Only his teammates and coaches seem to fully understand his impact.

The Michigan native scored 27 or more goals seven times in his eight years in the show. GM Steve Yzerman’s best trade as a Red Wings general manager was acquiring DeBrincat from the Ottawa Senators. He gave up Dominik Kubalik, Donovan Sebrango, a first-round pick and a fourth to land a pure goal scorer who has scored 27 goals twice, and 39 goals once since coming to Detroit.

DeBrincat’s 39 goals ranked fourth among Americans, trailing only Tage Thompson (42), and Jake Guentzel and Kyle Connor who both netted 41 goals.

Every fan seems to have a different player they would have left off the invite list to make room. However, the bottom line is that DeBrincat deserved to be brought to the orientation camp because he is among America’s most proven goal scorers.

No matter whether you are playing on the pond, in the NHL, or at the Olympics, the object is always to score more than the other team. DeBrincat has proven, beyond any reasonable doubt, that he can do that. DeBrincat consistently finds the net.  Scoring instincts. Sizzling shot. Quick release. Over the past three seasons, how many times have Detroit fans witnessed DeBrincat set up on the left wing, stick raised, taking a cross-ice feed from Patrick and driving the puck with authority past the netminder?

It’s not like the highly competitive DeBrincat hasn’t showed he can score in international hockey. He played for Team USA at the 2019 World Championships and produced seven goals and nine points in eight games.

Kane Will Be There

DeBrincat is a perfect complement for set-up artist Patrick Kane. Two-time Olympian Kane received his invitation, but close friend DeBrincat did not. Dylan Larkin will also be at the camp.

Not attending next week’s U.S. Orientation camp doesn’t mean DeBrincat can’t play for USA at the Olympics. Final roster decisions will factor how well players are performing early in the NHL season. Minnesota’s Bill Guerin is the general manager of the U.S. team.

Attending the camp doesn’t mean a player will play at the Olympics. Almost half of the invitees will not be named to the final roster for the 2026 Olympics in Italy (Feb. 5-22).

But this orientation camp will be in Plymouth, Mich., a short drive from where DeBrincat grew up in Farmington Hills. It’s an honor to be chosen to attend the orientation camp. DeBrincat has spent his entire career proving he belongs. Maybe the lack of respect has fueled his high level of competitiveness.

But’s past time for him to be honored for the player he is.