Senators make huge splash with trade for Alex DeBrincat from Blackhawks
Anthony Scultore
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The fireworks have started early with the NHL Draft just hours away. Blackhawks’ forward Alex DeBrincat, who was the top name on many trade bait boards has been moved to the Ottawa Senators. In exchange, they send to Chicago their 7th overall pick and second-round pick in this year’s draft plus a third-round selection in 2024.
DeBrincat, 24, has another year left on his deal at a reasonable $6.4 million cap hit. This past season, he set a career high in points with 78 and matched his career high for goals with 41.
As to why the Hawks were looking to deal him has a lot to do with the organization’s belief they must rebuild from the ground up. They also did not have a first-round pick in this year’s draft after trading for Seth Jones last year.
“We thank Alex for his tireless dedication to the Blackhawks organization over the last five seasons and wish him the best in Ottawa,” Blackhawks GM Kyle Davidson said in a statement. “It was an incredibly difficult decision to trade a player of Alex’s caliber. We feel as if this move sets the Blackhawks up for future success by giving us additional flexibility and future talent. Securing this early of a first-round pick for tonight and an additional second-round selection tomorrow allows us to fortify our prospect base with high-end players who we expect to be a difference makers in the coming years.
“Although we didn’t have a first pick in the draft until today, our scouting staff has been anticipating this scenario. I have been clear in my desire to move into the first round, and we are excited to move up and make a pick this evening.”
Senators acquire Alex DeBrincat
For the Ottawa Senators this is a huge trade and they now have another elite winger to play with Tim Stutzle.
“Alex’s acquisition brings immediate and additional firepower to our forward group,” Senators GM Pierre Dorion said. “He’s a dynamic forward who’s a scoring threat to the opponent when in the attacking zone. He maintains great vision, has exceptional skill and a quality shot which helps him score from virtually any part of the ice. He’s a consistent performer and an underrated playmaker who Senators’ fans are certain to enjoy watching play in Ottawa.”
DeBrincat has amassed 307 points in 368 career games since being drafted in the second round in 2016 by the Blackhawks.
He will be an RFA with arbitration rights next summer.
–Field Level Media contributed to this report