An enticing option just became available if the Leafs decide to shake up the core
11 months after pulling off the blockbuster deal ahead of the 2022 NHL Entry Draft, the Ottawa Senators could be looking to move on from Alex DeBrincat as they are doing their "due diligence" in at least listening to what other teams would offer up.
The Senators acquired DeBrincat from the Chicago Blackhawks for a first and second round pick in 2022 as well as a third round pick in 2024. The Blackhawks entered the draft with 0 first round picks but after a slew of deals that also included Kirby Dach and acquiring Petr Mrazek, they ended the night with 3.
DeBrincat was only 24-years-old at the time of the trade and it was a shock that he was even available in the first place. However the Blackhawks had a plan in motion and it's slowly starting to take shape less than 12 months later. In just 5 seasons he had put up goal totals of 28, 41, 18, 32, and 41 and the move to Ottawa was a way to signal to the fan base that they were getting serious.
In his first season, he scored 27 goals and 66 points in 82 games. He struggled at times this season but the biggest caveat with him was the fact that he was playing on a contract that was set to expire - albeit as an RFA. The Blackhawks were unwilling to meet his demands of what many perceived to be a long-term contract in the 9-10 million AAV range.
One source said that DeBrincat is waiting on the Senators' ownership saga to end for him to decide if Ottawa is where he wants to continue playing for the long-haul. DeBrincat is also only one year away from unrestricted free agency, which could play a hand in what his new deal might look like. He could potentially sign another one year deal and try to cash in with the salary cap set to rise in the future years to come.
If the Toronto Maple Leafs still want to shake things up and blow up their core, DeBrincat could be the perfect piece to bring in. He is only 25-years-old, has three 30+ goal seasons under his belt, including two of the 40-goal variety, and even though he struggled at times last year, he still put up strong numbers.
His qualifying offer stands at 9 million this summer if he so chooses to go down that route again and wait for unrestricted free agency the following season. The Leafs could dangle William Nylander who seems to be the easiest fish to sell out of the core-4, however the divisional and provincial rivals could look for a much larger blockbuster.
Nylander is set to become an unrestricted free agent in the same summer and could be looking for a similar AAV as DeBrincat. Nylander will be 28-years-old in the summer of 2024 compared to DeBrincat who will be 26. They've both put up similar numbers with DeBrincat scoring 187 goals and 373 points in his first 6 seasons which encompassed 450 games, compared to Nylander's 103 goals and 263 points in 358 games.
| POLL | ||
JUIN 5 | 15 ANSWERS An enticing option just became available if the Leafs decide to shake up the core Should the Leafs attempt to trade for Alex DeBrincat? | ||
| Yes | 10 | 66.7 % |
| No | 5 | 33.3 % |
| List of polls | ||
