When there’s talk of Detroit Red Wings players suiting up for USA Hockey at the 2026 Winter Olympics, captain Dylan Larkin is seen as a lock for a roster spot. Whether there will be a last international hurrah for Patrick Kane is also debated.

Rarely is Alex DeBrincat’s name mentioned in connection with his country’s Olympic team.

PAT & CAT STRIKE AGAIN pic.twitter.com/cVsmRBscYc

— Detroit Red Wings (@DetroitRedWings) December 11, 2025

Red Wings coach Todd McLellan believes that overlooking DeBrincat would be a mistake for the Americans.

“Well, you know what, there’s going to be a lot of questions,” McLellan told reporters following Wednesday’s 4-3 win over the Calgary Flames. “And (US GM) Billy Guerin and (Canadian GM) Doug Armstrong and the international teams, they have a tough job.

“There’s so many good players in our game right now. Would I like to see Alex DeBrincat there? Do I think he deserves to be there? Yes. But there’s a lot of players out there, and fortunately, I don’t have to make those decisions.”

Red Wings DeBrincat Has Limited International Experience

DeBrincat, from Farmington Hills, Michigan, hasn’t played for his country since the 2019 IIHF World Championship. In that tournament, he scored seven goals in eight games. He was also part of the USA team at the 2018 Worlds and 2016 World Juniors.

A 39-goal scorer for Detroit last season, DeBrincat is enjoying another productive campaign. He’s leading the Red Wings with 34 points and is second on the club with 16 goals. He’s on pace for 42 goals and 90 points.

DeBrincat’s two-goal, one-assist performance on Wednesday marked his third multi-goal and 10th multi-point game of the season.

Cat was hungry for another 😼 pic.twitter.com/2pGKr81EU4

— Detroit Red Wings (@DetroitRedWings) December 11, 2025

“You talk about offense, but I’ll go to his competitiveness,” McLellan said. “He’s a hungry, feisty player that competes every night. Doesn’t matter where we play, whether it’s three-in-three, five games in five nights. If you had to, he’d give you everything he had.

“And that shot of his is a weapon. The ability he has to connect with Patrick Kane is also something that’s really important for both of them. But he’s having a hell of a year. We’re really happy for him.”