Ottawa Senators winger Alex DeBrincat was expected to be one of the hottest commodities on the offseason trade front for the second season in a row. After heading over to the Sens by way of Chicago last season, his offensive production took a small step back in 2022-23, and he then informed Ottawa he wasn’t willing to sign a long-term extension with them – or anywhere in Canada. Yesterday, general manager Pierre Dorion admitted to Postmedia’s Bruce Garrioch that he’d granted DeBrincat’s camp permission to speak to teams about an extension on “multiple occasions,” but that proposed deals had fallen through at that point.
Garrioch was able to independently confirm that today, saying that DeBrincat’s desired contract extension is what’s holding up a trade going through – not the offers Ottawa is receiving for trade returns.
DeBrincat’s agent, Jeff Jackson, has been granted permission by the Senators to engage in contract extension talks with at least three different teams, Garrioch said. He’s reportedly seeking an eight-year, $70.2MM deal, coming in just under the $70.4MM extension Timo Meier signed with the New Jersey Devils last month. That would be an $8.775MM cap hit for DeBrincat, with Garrioch saying teams are trying to get him signed to a contract closer to the $8MM mark.
Obviously, the ongoing delay in resolving DeBrincat’s contract situation is hampering other important business for the Senators. Clearing his $9MM cap hit for the upcoming season would free up significant cap space, enabling the team to sign other players ahead of a 2023-24 season where the expectation is to unequivocally turn a corner in their rebuild – including, potentially, Vladimir Tarasenko, who The Fourth Period’s David Pagnotta says is nearing a decision on where to sign. Ottawa remains in the running for his services, as do the Carolina Hurricanes (who’ve already added Dmitry Orlov and Michael Bunting as UFAs).
The New York Islanders and Anaheim Ducks have shown interest in acquiring DeBrincat, Garrioch reiterates, with offers likely to include a roster player that can contribute immediately.
I like DeBrincat, but not that much.
As a caps fan I’d obviously love for GMBM to finally bolster the top 6 with young talent and trade for him. Would a 1st, 2nd, sens choice of mcmichael or Lapierre, and Martha’s contract be enough?
Doubt it would take that much
Added a little more because of the mantha contract dump. Trade / 8×8.5 extension would be a perfect medium between contend now with OV and build for the future
The Debrincat camp is still looking for a contract as if he is coming off of another 40 goal season. His best option might be to bet on himself this year or look for a high AAV 2-3 year deal if he wants to get that 70 million dollar contract.
Yeah that’s my thought. The vibes were off in Ottawa… but he still put up insane offensive totals on a crap Chicago team. If he shows any return to form next year I wouldn’t have any issue at $8.5MM long term
Yea with help from Kane.
Last year, he had a career high in assists though, playing most of the year with a rookie third line centre. He had 27 goals, and hit something like 16 posts and 2 or three goals called back. He had some bad puck luck, and still scored nearly 30. On his first year in a new team, in a foreign country and with a new baby. So I think the idea that he only did well with Kane is a little overblown. Frankly this year it might have been Kane that missed Debrincat
Doubt it. The poor guy was playing in Canada not Russia. Did he have a dog too? Kane wasn’t playing at 100% either and was left with basically nothing to work with but that being said I still would have hung onto the Cat as he should be entering his prime years. My guess is ADB will end up in Detroit. Just my 2 cents.
Hard to believe they are turning down deals 7.5-8.0 million a year. He is really good but I can see where teams would think DeBrincat’s side is making demands that are excessive. DeBrincat will likely hurt himself like Bertuzzi did.
As a NYR fan, I’m gonna be real fuckin pissed when Tarasenko signs with the Canes. Drury should attach a pick to Goodrow and clear some space to bring Vlad back.
They still wouldn’t have enough to sign him. The cap has regulated them to the recent wave of below $1M signings to round out the reserves. Besides, I wasn’t impressed with his play and felt it was he and Kane that made the team seem slow. Not sure they’re the right fit for the team.
Chicago should go after him.
I hope
If the Cat ends up in Anaheim I would say Zellweger would be in the package..
Haha, you wish. Zelly ain’t going no where.
I hope not just saying it could take him to make a deal..
As A NYR fan, I’d love to see Drury move Goodrow (attach Zac Jones as a sweetener) and bring back Tarasenko on a 2 year 8 million dollar deal. I think Vlad might be open to another run in Broadway but it’s probably just wishful thinking.
I think his preferred destination is home to Detroit but would be happy with whoever gives him his desired contract. If it’s Detroit I would think a package of Zadina, Wallinder, Breggren a first and second round pick could get a deal done. Detroit has $10 million in space still so a big move can be coming either with DeBrincat or with a salary dump move by Toronto who has said they can’t afford to keep their top 4 guys together much longer. Yzerman and Shanahan won 3 cups together so they might link up for a trade that benefits both.
Wallinder Breggen and a 1st would be fair