Detroit Red Wings

Senators Confirm DeBrincat Trade Talks, Red Wings Frontrunners

The Ottawa Senators have confirmed they are trying to trade Alex DeBrincat, but aren’t sure they’ll get a first. Are the Red Wings in this?

by
NHL Trade Talk
June 27, 2023

While Bruce Garrioch of the Ottawa Sun reports that Alex DeBrincat has not officially requested a trade, he is noting that Ottawa Senators’ GM Pierre Dorion has confirmed that the player has refused to sign a long-term contract and the club is looking to move him. Further reports from Jeff Marek and Elliotte Friedman of the 32 Thoughts podcast note, it appears that the trade rumors surrounding DeBrincat will likely lead to him being moved to the Detroit Red Wings.

Marek expressed his belief during a conversation on a future trade: “At the end of all of this I have a hard time believing it’s not Detroit.”

Not looking good for the Ottawa #senators who confirm they are trying to trade DeBrincat after the forward refused to sign long-term. Dorion is not sure they'll get a first-rounder for him. Red Wings look like frontrunners. pic.twitter.com/XgDGfpZbJ9
— NHL Trade Talk (@nhl_tradetalk) June 27, 2023

Friedman agreed with Marek’s assessment but pointed out that Red Wings’ General Manager Steve Yzerman may be hesitant about committing to a long-term deal with significant financial implications. Yzerman is known to drive a hard bargain, which raises questions about whether DeBrincat and the Red Wings are an ideal match. However, the Ottawa Senators continue to engage in discussions with multiple teams regarding DeBrincat, and they could potentially secure a first-round pick as part of a deal, although Dorion has said he’s not sure a trade will get him into the first round of this year’s draft. The Red Wings, who own the 9th and 17th overall picks, remain in contention for DeBrincat’s services.

Dorion says he doubts he’ll get into the first round of this draft. “I don’t think that’s going to happen,” says Dorion. He did confirm to Garrioch that there have been a ton of trade conversations in the recent days.

Dorion says he doubts he'll get into the first round of this draft. "I don't think that's going to happen," says Dorion. #Sens
— Bruce Garrioch (@SunGarrioch) June 27, 2023

Bruce Garrioch of the Ottawa Sun reports that some teams on DeBrincat’s list of trade destinations can be immediately dismissed due to their lack of salary cap space. The Florida Panthers and Vegas Golden Knights were mentioned as teams on the winger’s list, but their cap constraints make it unlikely for them to sign him.

Garrioch adds that DeBrincat has expressed a reluctance to commit to playing in Canada for the next eight seasons. As a restricted free agent, he will need to be open-minded about potential trade destinations if he wants to explore alternatives. The New York Rangers, Los Angeles Kings, St. Louis Blues, and Washington Capitals are highlighted as teams in need of scoring and could be potential landing spots for DeBrincat.

As the trade talks continue to unfold, it remains to be seen which team will ultimately acquire the talented winger and how the negotiations will play out in terms of contract terms and trade assets. Can the Senators get anything close to a good return for him? Are teams waiting until the final moments when the price drops? Will they try to sign him or just qualify the player? There’s a lot to work out with DeBrincat which explains why a trade is taking so much time to complete.

Next: NHL Trade Talk Podcast – Ep. 29: Pre-NHL 2023 Draft Trade Rumors