Ottawa Senators Pushing Hard to Sign Alex DeBrincat

Reports from NHL insider Kevin Weekes is that the Ottawa Senators are pushing hard to try and get Alex DeBrincat signed to a contract extension. That DeBrincat might be willing to chat a new deal after first publicly stating he wasn’t ready to commit long-term and that he and his agent “wanted to see how the fit was”, speaks volumes about how players and others are feeling about the culture of this team.

** Keep an eye 👁 on**
I’m told the @Senators are actively working to sign F DeBrincat to a Contract Extension. Situation remains fluid. @espn @NHL @NHLNetwork @TSNHockey @DKSportsbook #HockeyTwitter pic.twitter.com/Zij3uvbmou

— Kevin Weekes (@KevinWeekes) October 5, 2022

DeBrincat earns $9 million this season in actual salary, but the kicker is his qualifying cost. At a minimum, he will make another $9 million per season and be just a year away from unrestricted free-agent eligibility next July. Matthew Barzal’s new contract puts DeBrincat in a similar range — something between $9 million and $9.5 million — however, if he has another 40-goal season, it could push DeBrincat into the $10 million AAV range.

What’s interesting about this deal isn’t so much that DeBrincat seems to have quickly changed his mind and is now open to signing before the season really gets underway, but the talk now about how Chicago handled this trade. Many are arguing that it’s ridiculous Chicago didn’t ask for an additional 1st (or at least a pick) if DeBrincat signed a long-term extension in Ottawa. If he does sign, this deal looks more and more like a huge win for GM Pierre Dorion.

Look at the smile on Debrincat’s face. He was having a lot of fun last night. Great vibes all round! #GoSensGo pic.twitter.com/LZGhHIuVAp

— Karen H. (@OttSensFan18) October 2, 2022

Early in the preseason, DeBrincat has clicked with fellow newcomer Claude Giroux. In the four preseason games they have played together, the pair has combined for five goals, seven assists, and 11 points. While preseason isn’t the best judge of future production, it is a good sign these two have early chemistry. Coach D.J. Smith said of their clicking early, “What I liked most about both of their games tonight was their play away from the puck. I thought their tracking and work ethic away from the puck is as good as it’s been.”

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