NHL Trade Grades: Red Wings land Alex Debrincat in trade with Senators

The Red Wings acquired star right winger Alex DeBrincat in a trade with the Ottawa Senators. Who won, who lost? What does it mean for both teams moving forward?

Detroit fans, one of your own is coming home.

The Red Wings have acquired Alex DeBrincat from the Ottawa Senators. That alone should make you jump for joy. It should once again make you glad Steve Yzerman is your General Manager.

But it gets better. They have signed him to a four-year contract worth an average annual value (AAV) of $7.875 million. The best part, though? It didn’t take much to get him.

That said, Ottawa received a respectable package. Dominik Kubalik, prospect Donovan Sebrango, a conditional first-round pick in 2024, and the Red Wings’ 2024 fourth-round pick are now in the hands of GM Pierre Dorion.

NHL Trade Grades: Red Wings land Alex Debrincat in trade with Senators

The Red Wings made some big moves in free agency to upgrade their team. They signed J.T. Compher and Daniel Sprong to improve their offense, and they added Justin Holl and James Reimer to provide depth in defense and goaltending.

The acquisition of DeBrincat could push the Red Wings into playoff contention.

After scoring 40 goals in the 2021-22 season with the Chicago Blackhawks, DeBrincat had a slight dip in production last season with 27 goals and 66 points in 82 games.

However, it is important to recognize that DeBrincat’s playmaking skills should thrive, especially if he plays alongside Dylan Larkin and Lucas Raymond at even strength and on the Power play.

The Red Wings did not give up much to acquire DeBrincat, which is unsurprising considering the Ottawa Senators did not have much leverage.

DeBrincat, 25, stated he loved his time in Ottawa, but the Michigan native didn’t see a long-term future there. He felt the opportunity presented itself for the chance to play for his hometown Red Wings.

Since DeBrincat was a restricted free agent, the Red Wings had to sign him to a new contract. The Red Wings managed to sign DeBrincat for four years with a cap hit of $7.875 million.

If DeBrincat rebounds and returns to form, he can put himself in a great position for a more lucrative contract at age 29.

Last offseason, the Senators acquired DeBrincat from the Blackhawks at the 2022 draft. In exchange, the Senators gave up the seventh overall pick, which the Blackhawks used to select Kevin Korchinski, a second-round pick in the 2022 draft, and a third-round selection in the 2024 draft. The trade backfired for Ottawa. They took a risk that did not pay off, as they missed the 2023 playoffs.

Looking ahead, it’s not all bad. Dominik Kubalik is solid.

Yes, he’s been inconsistent in the NHL. However, he had a solid 2022-23 season with 20 goals and 45 points in 81 games. Kubalik, 27, ended his year on a high note by delivering an outstanding performance at the IIHF World Hockey Championship. He managed to score 12 points in eight games.

Although Kubalik is not a play driver, he can score goals when given the opportunity. He should make a great linemate for Josh Norris and Drake Batherson. Kubalik has one year left on his contract with a cap hit of $2.5 million, and it remains to be seen whether the Senators will re-sign him. The Senators also acquired a conditional first-round pick in the 2024 draft. The terms of the condition are that the Red Wings can choose to send either their first-round pick or the Boston Bruins’ first-round pick they obtained in the Tyler Bertuzzi trade last season.

Sebrango ,21, is a product of the 2020 draft, where he was selected in the third round. He has split his 2022-23 season with the Grand Rapid Griffins in the American Hockey League and the Toledo Walleye of the ECHL.

He adds even more depth to the strong left side of the Senators’ defensive pipeline. But whether he cracks the NHL remains to be seen. Still, considering they didn’t have much leverage, the Senators did a decent job.

Red Wings: A
Senators: C