Playing GM: Potential Destinations and Trade Packages for Alex DeBrincat

If the Senators do decide to trade Alex DeBrincat this summer, there will obviously be no shortage of interest.

As a contract extension for Alex DeBrincat remains unsigned, trade rumours have engulfed the Ottawa Senators. DeBrincat's camp has reportedly provided a list of preferred destinations, with potential suitors like the Detroit Red Wings, Carolina Hurricanes, Nashville Predators, Florida Panthers, Vegas Golden Knights, and Dallas Stars.

Using the Armchair GM feature on CapFriendly.com, let's look at some of the fan-made, potential packages from the other team’s perspective. We've delve into each team's situation and explore the potential trade packages that could be on the table.

Carolina Hurricanes:

The Carolina Hurricanes have been struggling to find consistent scoring, making the addition of a talented young scorer like Alex DeBrincat an attractive prospect. This may be the right time for Carolina to make a splash for one of the best goal producers in the game.

To Carolina Hurricanes:

Alex DeBrincat

To Ottawa Senators:

Teuvo Teravainen

30th Overall Pick (2023)

While some fans may hope for players like Martin Necas or Seth Jarvis in return, it's unlikely that Carolina would part with such major assets. However, the proposed return of a skilled winger like Teuvo Teravainen and a late 1st round pick could provide the Senators with immediate help and future value. Other potential pieces could be RFA Jesse Puljujarvi, who the Hurricanes are struggling to qualify and 23-year-old Jack Drury, who has reportedly asked for a trade in the past.

Dallas Stars:

The Dallas Stars find themselves in an intriguing position as they navigate a transition phase from their aging core to a younger generation of talent. As core pieces Jason Robertson, Roope Hintz, and Wyatt Johnson begin to take centre stage, using some other young pieces to bring in another established scorer in DeBrincat, could be enough to make Dallas an elite team.

To Dallas Stars:

Alex DeBrincat

To Ottawa Senators:

Logan Stankoven

Antonio Stranges

2024 2nd Round Pick

With a few playoff runs falling just short, the Stars might be willing to part with some promising young talent to bolster their roster. Logan Stankoven, one of the better prospects in hockey, and Antonio Stranges, one of the more electrifying prospects, along with a future 2nd round pick, could be enticing assets for the Senators. I would call this an ambitious package, but with an extension in place, could be possible.

Detroit Red Wings:

The speculation surrounding Alex DeBrincat's potential trade to his hometown team, the Detroit Red Wings, has been rampant. A trade to Detroit could be particularly appealing if an extension is likely. However, questions on if the Senators would deal the former 40-goal scorer in the same division are fair concerns as well.

To Detroit Red Wings:

Alex DeBrincat

To Ottawa Senators:

Filip Zadina

17th Overall Pick (2023)

2023 3rd Round Pick

The Red Wings might offer Filip Zadina, a young forward with untapped potential, along with valuable draft picks to bolster Ottawa's offensive production. This package could prove beneficial for both teams. Another possible trade could be around the 9th overall pick in the highly touted 2023 draft. That would provide the Senators with a valuable asset to select a top-tier player or utilize in another trade. The potential return could be significant.

Florida Panthers:

Fresh off an exhilarating run to the Stanley Cup Final, the Florida Panthers may be eager to solidify their core around superstar Matthew Tkachuk, making Alex DeBrincat an intriguing addition.

To Florida Panthers:

Alex DeBrincat

To Ottawa Senators:

Nick Cousins

Anthony Duclair

Gustav Forsling

2nd Round Pick

The Panthers, lacking premier picks in the coming years, could offer depth players like Nick Cousins and Anthony Duclair, along with defenseman Gustav Forsling, and a decent draft pick to secure DeBrincat's services. Ottawa is obviously familiar with Duclair and would welcome a scorer like that back on a much cheaper deal than what DeBrincat will get.

Nashville Predators:

Nashville has become an attractive destination in the NHL, and with their new GM Barry Trotz looking to make an impact, a trade to the Predators could be appealing for Alex DeBrincat.

To Nashville Predators:

Alex DeBrincat

To Ottawa Senators:

Juuse Saros

There have been rumours circulating that the Predators may be willing to part ways with goaltender Juuse Saros. Acquiring a top-tier goalie on a reasonable contract like Saros could be a significant asset for the Senators. Alternatively, a package involving young players Cal Foote and Cody Glass, along with the 15th overall pick in the 2023 draft, could provide the Senators with promising players on affordable contracts.

Vegas Golden Knights:

The Vegas Golden Knights have established a reputation for pursuing star players, and their appeal as a destination city in the NHL cannot be understated. Always aggressive, Vegas will surely examine the possibility of adding DeBrincat once their run in the Stanley Cup Final ends.

To Vegas Golden Knights:

Alex DeBrincat

To Ottawa Senators:

Nicolas Roy

Reilly Smith

31st or 32nd Overall Pick (2023)

Obtaining depth players like Nicolas Roy and Reilly Smith, along with a late 1st-round pick, might be a reasonable return for DeBrincat. The Senators could benefit from bolstering their bottom-six forward depth, while the pick adds some future value.

The potential destinations and trade packages for Alex DeBrincat are always subject to change, while the value coming back could also vary depending on if he is traded with an extension. However, these scenarios provide a glimpse into the possibilities surrounding one of the league's most sought-after young scorers.

While some may seem good or underwhelming, I believe it is a fair representation of what each franchise may be willing to give up for DeBrincat. After all, these were heavily influenced by the potential trade partner’s fans on CapFriendly – side note, God bless the work they do.

And who knows? Maybe DeBrincat just ends up staying.