Per the Fourth Period:
The Ottawa Senators continue to try to trade sniper Alex DeBrincat and those discussions are believed to have picked up some steam over the last couple of days. As TFP’s David Pagnotta has reported, the Anaheim Ducks and New York Islanders are among the teams very interested in DeBrincat, joining the Detroit Red Wings and a handful of other clubs still in the mix.
DeBrincat’s agent Jeff Jackson has been granted permission to speak with teams about a contract for the 25-year-old but has not yet been successful in coming to an agreement, which has derailed some trade talks.
On Saturday, Senators GM Pierre Dorion acknowledged that deals have been close, but failing to agree to terms on an extension has been the sticking point.
“There’s varying degrees of interest,” Dorion said, as quoted by the Ottawa Sun. “Teams call, we get close to a deal, I give them permission, and sometimes they’re not ready to pay maybe the term that we’re ready to pay. He’s 25 years old, so he’s looking for something in particular, and I can talk about it because we own his rights, so I think the degrees (of interest) vary.”
Dorion suggested DeBrincat could sign a short-term deal with Ottawa. Or, if a deal isn’t done by the time their arbitration case takes place, DeBrincat could play out next season with the Sens and leave as a free agent.
Trade talks are expected to continue Sunday and carry into the week. It is unclear what type of package the Ducks or Islanders are willing to give up for DeBrincat. The Sens reportedly wanted the ninth-overall pick from the Red Wings last week, but that never materialized.
Just trade the 1st round pick from Boston next season (Bruins are still gonna be good after the signings they made yesterday) and add a Berggren, Soderblom or whatever young player is gonna be stuck in Grand Rapids next season and get it done. I just think the sticking point is the extension… feels like the Wings don’t wanna give DeBrincat a big time contract and he’s not willing to sign for anything less than 5 years.
PS-If all Ottawa was asking for was the 9th pick, then Nate Danielson better turn into a stud because you don’t turn down a DeBrincat level player for a prospect you hope can score 30 goals a season in the future.
Yzerman does. Look at Huberdeau and Weegar just last year, signed to long term deals before playing a game for the team. Look at their situation now. There’s a possibility we get DeBrincat in free agency next season, without giving up anything.