Dietz: (All) Star power: DeBrincat's hard work paying off
When Alex DeBrincat arrived at training camp in 2017 it was no sure thing he'd start the season with the Blackhawks.
Some thought the diminutive forward could first use some seasoning in the AHL.
Instead, coach Joel Quenneville eased DeBrincat in on a third-line role and watched the second-round pick pour in 28 goals over 82 games.
Four years later, DeBrincat is an All-Star for the first time.
"It's an honor for sure and I'm excited to ... represent the Blackhawks," he said.
DeBrincat's Central Division teammates include Colorado's Nathan MacKinnon, Winnipeg's Kyle Connor, Dallas' Joe Pavelski, Minnesota's Kirill Kaprizov and Avs D-man Cale Makar. The All-Star Game, which will again be played 3-on-3, is Saturday in Las Vegas.
DeBrincat's first season could have been a rough one, but many veterans stepped up and helped grow his confidence. Patrick Sharp played a significant role.
"He took the time to really make me feel at home, make me feel like I belonged here," said DeBrincat, whose 26 goals is tied for fifth in the league. "Sometimes it's hard making the shift from junior to the NHL and you're feeling down on yourself.
"He's always a guy who'd take that extra second to say there's a reason you're here. You're a great player - you just need to play your game."
After racking up 41 goals in his second season, DeBrincat slumped in 2019-20 with 18 goals. He came back with a vengeance during last year's shortened campaign, scoring 32 goals in 52 games.
This season, not only might DeBrincat score 50 times, but he's not far behind league leaders Chris Kreider (33) and Leon Draisaitl (32).
"His joy and his passion for the game really helps him become a hard worker and one of the best players on the ice every night," Patrick Kane said. "You always see him on the ice early, working on his shot, working on whatever. ...
"I don't think it's for any other reason than the fact he enjoys the game so much."
That joy is evident at every game and every practice, even in the middle of what can be a grueling 82-game season.
DeBrincat is often wearing a wide smile in between drills at Fifth Third Arena. He'll tweak a teammate or get tweaked back. A few weeks ago, Dominik Kubalik kept hassling DeBrincat - even putting him in a semi head lock at one point - just as coaches began explaining what was expected next.
Still, when it's time to work the smile disappears and DeBrincat bears down. There's no denying the hours he puts in over the summers with strength and conditioning coach Paul Goodman have paid off immensely.
That work has helped turn DeBrincat into one of the most tenacious players on the ice. The way he anticipates an opponent's pass often leads to an unexpected steal. The way he backchecks often breaks up prime scoring chances.
There's no doubt that while he'll always be known as an offensive powerhouse, it's his defense that should get talked about more often.
"He has grit in his game that he shows when he's hard on the forecheck," said defenseman Seth Jones. "That's when he helps our team the most and he's done that 99 percent of the time this year."
It's a big reason DeBrincat has become an All-Star and why he'll be a dangerous force for years to come.
It's also why one day he may be considered one of the best players of his generation.
By the numbers
<b>Alex DeBrincat's stats</b>Season GP G A Pts.
2017-18 82 28 24 52
2018-19 82 41 35 76
2019-20 70 18 27 45
2020-21 52 32 24 56
2021-22 46 26 10 36
Totals 332 145 120 265
Notes: The 2019-20 season ended after 70 games; 2020-21 season shortened to 56 games
DeBrincat is on pace for 46 goals and 18 assists this season
<b>NHL's goal leaders</b>Player, team Goals
1. Chris Kreider, Rangers 33
2. Leon Draisaitl, Edm. 32
3. Alex Ovechkin, Wash. 29
3. Auston Matthews, Tor. 29
5. A. DeBrincat, HAWKS 26
6. Kyle Connor, Winnipeg 25
6. Troy Terry, Anaheim 25
8. Mikko Rantanen, Colo. 24
8. Filip Forsberg, Nashville 24