The offseason is in full swing. More things are starting to come to light. In fact, the league just saw its second-ever sign and trade occur. A lot of action going on around the league and it is only the beginning. One team to focus on is the Ottawa Senators. Not just for ownership, but for an Alex DeBrincat trade.
DeBrincat Potential Fits In Central Division
Rumour: Elliotte Friedman discusses two new landing spots for Alex DeBrincat
Friedman on 32TP mentions aside from Detroit, Vegas and Florida, there has been some reporting that Alex DeBrincat has Dallas and Nashville on his list as well.
— NHL Watcher (@NHL_Watcher) June 9, 2023
After acquiring the talented winger, an Alex DeBrincat trade is likely as the Ottawa Senators have made the winger available. Per his agent, the Detroit Red Wings sounds like a destination spot for him. However, there are many suitors that could use his services. Two new teams have surfaced as potential landing spots for DeBrincat. They are division rivals within the Central Division. Now let’s take a look if this makes sense for these teams.
Potential Trade Fits For DeBrincat
Nashville Predators
This is not as absurd as you may think. The Nashville Predators were very close to becoming a playoff team. In addition, their second half-season surge was done without star winger Filip Forsberg. There is plenty to like about this team. Barry Trotz is in charge and Andrew Brunette is the new head coach. After seeing how Brunette did with the Florida Panthers and helping the New Jersey Devils, this team is in a prime position to succeed. But why would a trade for Alex DeBrincat make sense for this team?
The lack of star power and scoring punch is evident. Nashville scored the fifth fewest goals all season long. While being good defensively, they lacked scoring. Enter a trade for Alex DeBrincat. Last season he tied his career high in goals and set a career-high in points. In his first season in Ottawa, he posted 66 points in 82 games. In addition, his 28 expected goals ranked fourth on the team. To find more offensive power with a coach who is offensive-minded, DeBrincat fits the bill. Barry Trotz has the draft picks to pull off the trade. In addition, Nashville has $15 million in cap space. Securing a long-term deal can get done as well.
Dallas Stars
This destination is intriguing. The Dallas Stars just made the conference finals and are a team capable of contending for the long haul. The majority of their core group is locked up for the foreseeable future. However, there is a need for depth scoring. While it was much more effective under Pete DeBoer, it was evident in their playoff run. Dallas heavily relies on the combination of Roope Hintz, Jason Robertson, and Joe Pavelski. In the playoffs, that line scored the most goals (7). In the regular season, that line scored 52, which is double the amount of the line behind them.
If Jim Nill wants to further propel this group to the promised land, an Alex DeBrincat trade makes sense. DeBrincat can slot on the second line next to Tyler Seguin and provide more depth. No slight to Evgenii Dadonov, who was very good for the team, but DeBrincat is younger and superior when it comes to scoring. Getting a long-term deal done is going to be hard, though. The club only has $7 million in cap space. Shedding cap will be important, but cross that bridge when you get to it. DeBrincat makes this team better and further cements them as Stanley Cup favourites.
Main Photo: Jason Mowry-USA TODAY Sports
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