DeBrincat is a pure sniper in a pint-sized body. He has great speed and a very quick first step. He’s incredibly hard to slow down once he gets the puck, something that needs to continue consistently if he is to be successful at the next level. When carrying the puck, DeBrincat exudes confidence, uses his size to slip and weave his way through traffic, and maintains strength on the puck. He anticipates physical pressure coming his way and will distribute at the right times. Based on the pressure from defenders, he adjusts his hand speed accordingly, deking his way out of trouble or protecting the puck at the side of his body. DeBrincat really uses his speed and quickness to his advantage on the forecheck as he chases down loose pucks or applies pressure to the puck carrier. He is a puck-hungry little bugger who can make the life of a defender hell as he is relentless in getting the puck back once he loses it. He’s not afraid to throw his weight around, or hack and whack with his stick. And he isn’t afraid to take a hit, appearing much more motivated to make something happen and get on the puck after he receives one. DeBrincat’s zone entries are done with control and speed, oftentimes driving the play so fast that he pushes defenders back on their heels. When receiving a pass, he has no desire to slow down, more often than not receiving the pass in transition and increasing his speed right as he gets possession. DeBrincat has a knack for turning bad passes into strong scoring opportunities, settling the puck quickly before firing a quick wrist shot or one-timer on net. DeBrincat sees the ice well and can hit his man with a quick pass on the tape through bodies. He has a pretty quick release, and although it can be obvious he intends to shoot, his shot is so quick and accurate it does not matter. He draws defenders in with and without the puck, giving his teammates more space to work with once they get the puck. Defensively, DeBrincat knows his role and gets back to defend rather quickly. He reads the incoming play well in his zone, and can knock pucks down and move them across ice where his teammates have more space to work with to break out.  (May 2016)