The Ottawa Senators acquired forward Alex DeBrincat from the Chicago Blackhawks on Thursday in exchange for three draft picks, including the seventh overall selection of the 2022 NHL Draft.
The Blackhawks also will receive the Senators’ second-round pick of the 2022 NHL Draft and a third-round selection in the 2024 draft.
DeBrincat, 24, set career-high totals in assists (37), points (78), power-play goals (14) and power-play assists (14) in 82 games this past season. His 41 goals overall matched his previous career high, set during the 2018-19 season.
“Alex’s acquisition brings immediate and additional firepower to our forward group,” Senators general manager Pierre Dorion said. “He’s a dynamic forward who’s a scoring threat to the opponent when in the attacking zone. He maintains great vision, has exceptional skill and a quality shot which helps him score from virtually any part of the ice. He’s a consistent performer and an underrated playmaker who Senators’ fans are certain to enjoy watching play in Ottawa.”
DeBrincat is entering the final season of a three-year, $19.2 million contract.
He has totaled 307 points (160 goals, 147 assists) in 368 career games since being selected by the Blackhawks in the second round of the 2016 NHL Draft.
“We thank Alex for his tireless dedication to the Blackhawks organization over the last five seasons and wish him the best in Ottawa,” Blackhawks general manager Kyle Davidson said. “It was an incredibly difficult decision to trade a player of Alex’s caliber. We feel as if this move sets the Blackhawks up for future success by giving us additional flexibility and future talent. Securing this early of a first-round pick for tonight and an additional second-round selection tomorrow allows us to fortify our prospect base with high-end players who we expect to be a difference makers in the coming years.
“Although we didn’t have a first pick in the draft until today, our scouting staff has been anticipating this scenario. I have been clear in my desire to move into the first round, and we are excited to move up and make a pick this evening.”
–Field Level Media
