The Ottawa Senators scored big time when they negotiated a trade for Alex DeBrincat from the Chicago Blackhawks in exchange for three draft picks. DeBrincat was almost a point-a-game player on a poor Blackhawks’ team last season. Honestly, where can any NHL team go to get a proven scorer for that kind of return?
But then, you can never tell about a second-round 39th pick. Ironically, that’s what the Senators traded to the Blackhawks; and, that’s what DeBrincat was during the 2016 NHL Entry Draft.
Perhaps, if the Blackhawks look at it that way, they’ll pick up another player just like him in the second round later today. If they do, they’ve then also scored Kevin Korchinski at pick No. 7 – he’s an 18-year-old defenseman from Saskatoon.
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The Senators Found a Key Player for Their Roster
About the only thing not to like about DeBrincat is his size. But the 24-year-old can play; and, he can score. Already – including last season – he put up 41 goals for the second time in his career.
Senators’ general manager Pierre Dorion was clear about what DeBrincat brings to the team. Dorion noted that “Alex’s acquisition brings immediate and additional firepower to our forward group. 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.”
Dorion finally added that DeBrincat is a “consistent performer and an underrated playmaker who Senators’ fans are certain to enjoy watching play in Ottawa.”
DeBrincat Brings Scoring and Depth to a Young But Growing Senators’ Team
DeBrincat could become a fixture in Ottawa. He has another season left on his three-year, $19.2 million contract. Once that expires, he’s eligible to become a restricted free agency. If the team does well, he’d be a huge part of its leadership core.
In addition to hitting the 40-goal mark for the second time in his NHL career last season, DeBrincat also scored 78 points in 82 games. It was a big step for the Senators to bring him into the team; and, with it the Senators are officially telling the NHL world that they’re quite done with their rebuild.
In Ottawa, the team is growing and expects to start winning much more often than it has recently. They are pulling together the tools for it. And, DeBrincat is one of the key resources. He’ll give the Senators a huge offensive boost both in five-on-five play and on the power play.
Good luck to DeBrincat in Canada’s capital city.
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