Could Capitals Pull Off A Move For Alex DeBrincat?

DeBrincat brings a lot to the table that would benefit the Capitals, but a move for the 25-year-old wouldn't be easy.

The Washington Capitals are currently in unfamiliar territory, navigating a lengthy offseason that'll likely be filled with change as they aim to retool on the fly. And, for general manager Brian MacLellan, one of the main objectives will be getting younger and faster while revamping the top-6.

MacLellan said the team would take a look at everything, and there are multiple routes to take, from free agency to the trade market. And one 

That being said, one interesting name emerging on the block is Ottawa Senators winger Alex DeBrincat.

The 25-year-old is an RFA and told reporters he's "open to anything" this offseason, but per The Ottawa Sun's Bruce Garrioch, he seems non-committal about his future with the club and has "no inclination" about signing long-term. That, and Ottawa looking to sell, makes it seem like he could be moved come draft time.

So, is there a fit there for D.C.?

DeBrincat brings a lot to the table. In 2021-22, he lit the lamp 41 times, though his total dropped to 27 goals this past year with the struggling Senators while he also had a plus-minus rating of minus-31. He ended up with 66 points in 2022-23, and despite his goal total going down, he was still one of the team's top pieces with regard to his speed and scoring prowess.

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Not only can he score and make plays, but DeBrincat also played with Dylan Strome back in his OHL days with the Erie Otters, where he also got to play alongside Connor McDavid. His chemistry with Strome (the two are also good friends and attended each other's weddings) and the fact that he could bring a lot to a line alongside Alex Ovechkin would be a great boost.

The 5-8 winger has shown nothing but growth since joining the NHL ranks, and he's a young, fast forward who brings exactly what Washington is looking for on several letters.

There's a downside, though, and multiple obstacles that make a deal seem less likely. His qualifying offer is $9 million, which is a hefty price to pay and not necessarily something the Capitals can afford right now. Plus, with Evgeny Kuznetsov's and Nicklas Backstrom's futures in flux, the team may need a top-6 center more than a winger.

Not only that, it'll cost quite a bit to acquire DeBrincat, even though he doesn't seem to want to stay in Ottawa.

A couple of pieces Washington can offer are Anthony Mantha and Kuznetsov. However, both are coming off disappointing seasons that didn't impress management, as Mantha couldn't find consistency or put up top-6 numbers, while Kuznetsov's effort and inability to find his game earned criticism. Both are also expensive, with Mantha having one year left on his deal at $5.7 million and Kuznetsov costing $7.8 million over the next two seasons.

Overall, their trade values aren't the highest right now, and it's doubtful both would be enough to bring in DeBrincat while balancing out the cap situation. There would likely have to be a sweetener, and that could be a top prospect or a top draft pick (though the team doesn't seem to be considering parting ways with that pick right now).

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Breaking it all down, DeBrincat would certainly be a good fit that would add a lot to the Capitals' roster as the team looks to return to top form and get right back in playoff territory in 2023-24. However, acquiring that missing piece of the puzzle won't be easy, and given the team's needs, it doesn't seem likely.

But still, it's the NHL, and anything can happen, and with Washington facing plenty of change, the team could look to clear some space and try to make something happen one way or another.