Per ESPN's Emily Kaplan, talks have intensified between the Chicago Blackhawks and teams who have an interest in acquiring Hawks winger Alex DeBrincat, and a deal may finally occur today.
Yes, these rumours have been out there for some time, but as GM's play chicken with one another and wait for the best possible moment to pull the trigger on a deal, draft day is one of the best times, as it add draft capital to a team's arsenal for use on this day.
A player like DeBrincat has value to just about any NHL team, given his age and his skill set. He can either be that final piece that a team is looking for to round out their top six, or he could be an integral piece for a team who is turning the corner in a rebuild. A key piece that they can build around.
For the Hawks, this deal makes the most sense to make today, as they do not currently have a first round pick this year. Well, if they deal DeBrincat today, not only could they find themselves with a first round pick today, but it could end up being a VERY high one, as rumours have linked DeBrincat to both Ottawa (7th overall) and New Jersey (2nd overall).
Blackhawks GM Kyle Davidson is believed to be looking for a similar package to the one he received for Brandon Hagel at the deadline - two high picks and two prospects. Obviously, since DeBrincat is a higher caliber player, the picks and prospects the Hawks get for him will be higher than the ones received from Tampa in the Hagel deal.
Whether the deal happens prior to the draft or during remains to be seen, but this is very much a deal I can see getting done today, as Kaplan has suggested.
POLL | ||
7 JUILLET | 143 ANSWERS Report: DeBrincat trade talk heating up, deal could be done today and it appears to be a 2-team race Where will DeBrincat wind up if he's traded today? | ||
Ottawa | 71 | 49.7 % |
New Jersey | 28 | 19.6 % |
Columbus | 13 | 9.1 % |
Other | 31 | 21.7 % |
List of polls |