The Predators have been linked to Alex DeBrincat, but Nashville is better off not signing the winger.
The Predators have been linked to Alex DeBrincat, but Nashville is better off not signing the winger.
Alex DeBrincat has been one of the hottest names in the trade rumor mill this offseason. The 25 year old RFA has been looking for a new team just one season after being acquired by the Ottawa Senators, and the Predators were a team frequently mentioned as being in the mix.
Instead, DeBrincat signed a four year deal with the Detroit Red Wings for $7,875,000 AAV. In exchange, the Senators received Dominik Kubalik, Donavan Sebrango, and a conditional first and fourth round pick in 2024.
There is little doubt that DeBrincat will have an impact for the Red Wings next season. During his 82 games with the Senators, DeBrincat scored 27 goals and 66 points. In 2021-2022 with the Blackhawks, DeBrincat tied his career high in goals with 41 and set a new career high with 78 points.
So why would a team in desperate need of offensive punch who just bought out the last two seasons' leading goal scorer not vigorously pursue a player like DeBrincat?
Timing is everything.
If this was the Nashville Predators of last offseason, it would seem a perfect time to scoop up a player like DeBrincat for the roster. Since the 2017 Stanley Cup run and the 2018 President's Trophy season, the Preds have been waiting for that one added piece that could get the team back to being a real postseason threat. Additions like Matt Duchene, Nino Niederreiter, and Ryan McDonagh have all been "DeBrincats" over the last few years.
Things are clearly very different now. Barry Trotz is embracing a new chapter for the Predators franchise, and while the new GM has signed three veterans this offseason adding a piece or two to get back into contention is a plan from the past. For now, the Predators are focused on getting back to contention with veteran leadership and intentional development of the younger players in the pipeline.
Would it be fun to see DeBrincat in gold scoring forty goals a season? It would. For now though, Nashville fans will channel that energy into watching a player like Luke Evangelista or Juuso Pärssinen gain experience growing in their young NHL careers. DeBrincat could have been a goal scoring band-aid, but the real healing for this team will come a little slower and perhaps with less fanfare.
DeBrincat has found an interesting home in Detroit, a team doing their own work towards becoming a future contender. It may be a different path for the Predators who passed on DeBrincat, but they'll forge ahead on a different road to the postseason.
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