Alex DeBrincat was traded to the Ottawa Senators on draft day 2022. It was the first time in a long while that the Senators’ fan base allowed itself to feel true excitement. It was a statement by Pierre Dorion that the Senators wanted to be competitive. Even though the Sens had no assurances from DeBrincat that he would sign a contract extension, they took the gamble and traded a 1st -round draft pick (which was 7th overall in 2022), as well as a 2nd-round pick in 2022 and a 3rd-rounder in 2024.
The Sens still have Shane Pinto and Erik Brannstrom to sign, both of whom are restricted free agents; next year they will have to sign Jake Sanderson. In Sanderson’s case the Sens, would probably be capped out if DeBrincat were still here and it would be very challenging for them to sign him to a long-term contract extension. They would probably have to settle on a bridge contract for two to three years.
The Sens have Tim Stützle, Brady Tkachuk, Josh Norris, Drake Batherson, and Thomas Chabot all signed past the 2025-26 season. The Sens, who had trouble with depth scoring last year, could go after notable UFA’s this year such as Michael Bunting, Tyler Bertuzzi, Alex Killorn, or Max Domi; they could join the hunt for goalies such as Tristan Jarry, or Joonas Korpisalo; and they could even add depth to the defence with a 3rd pairing defenceman.
Let me be clear: losing DeBrincat will be a huge blow and will make their top six worse. However, it could allow the whole team to improve at every position and add more depth. Look at the Vegas Golden Knights: they just won the Stanley Cup riding on their amazing depth. Their 3rd and 4th lines contributed immensely and they finished the playoffs with their 3rd-string goalie.
Another thing: right now, the Sens do not have a pick until the fourth round in what is shaping up to be a loaded 2023 draft class. A DeBrincat trade would get them back into this draft, and subsequent trades could even be used to improve the roster for next season.
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If DeBrincat goes, as now seems nearly certain, the question is whether the Sens can make the right additions around this young core to be a playoff team for the 2023-24 season..