As part of their ongoing rebuild, the Chicago Blackhawks are understood to be willing to let a number of key players leave. Of course, this is only for the right price. One of the names circulated in the rumour mill is Chicago’s young star and alternate captain Alex DeBrincat. This is one of the bigger Chicago Blackhawks trade rumours in recent memory.
Friedman on 32TP says momentum is building for an Alex DeBrincat trade, he heard that one team offered a reasonably high 1st RD pick and another 1st RD pick and prospect, not a great prospect but a young player who could play and that wasn't enough to get it done.
— NHL Watcher (@NHL_Watcher) July 2, 2022
Chicago Blackhawks Trade Rumours: Team Received Offer For Alex DeBrincat
Per Elliotte Friedman on his 32 Thoughts Podcast, the Blackhawks have already received an offer of a ‘reasonably high’ first-round pick, another first-round pick and a prospect from an unnamed team for DeBrincat. However, this did not meet Chicago’s demands sufficiently. Friedman also mentioned there are still teams ‘stepping up’ and the Michigan native is ‘coveted’ around the league.
What This Means
It is no surprise that DeBrincat is in demand. Despite his team finishing 27th place, he managed an impressive career-high of 78 points in 82 games. The 2016 NHL Draft’s 39th overall pick has one year left on his $6.4 AAV contract. However, he will still remain under team control as a restricted free agent, so his stock has never been higher. However, what team would be able to bring him in?
The New Jersey Devils have been heavily linked with DeBrincat and they have to be considered a strong contender. They have the assets available to make the trade, plus the cap space to take on his contract. It is easy to imagine that Jack Hughes could form strong chemistry with his fellow American, which would lead to a scary top-six line. However, New Jersey must prioritize goaltending, meaning the trade could be a luxury the Devils cannot afford right now.
One interesting option could be the Anaheim Ducks. The California club boasts four picks in the first two rounds of this year’s draft, including the 10th overall, plus a strong prospect pool. This gives them plenty to offer Chicago in a trade, especially for a rebuilding team. Anaheim has a lot of cap space right now but needs to resign a large portion of their key forward group. However, none compare to the quality DeBrincat offers and the exciting prospect of putting him on a line with Trevor Zegras.
MEOW! 7-2!
Alex DeBrincat adds one late in Period 3. #CHIvsDET pic.twitter.com/uAlPDomQmm
— Chicago Blackhawks (@NHLBlackhawks) March 1, 2021
