The Ottawa Senators have some options for the 2023 First round NHL draft picks. It appears moving Alex DeBrincat, with the Detroit Red Wings being a the front-runner is a foregone conclusion. The idea is that they want to trade DeBrincat for assets, before potentially losing him to free agency. It does appear as though Detroit is a solid option for the Senators to obtain a first-round pick. The Wings have both the ninth and 17th overall picks. Therefore, if the Sens do decide to flip DeBrincat for a pick, and keep it, they need to decide who to select.
Trade Partner Options for the Ottawa Senators in the 2023 Draft Picks
The strength of this year’s draft class, especially with regards to high-end, really leaves the door open. The challenge would be to count on a high-end, elite player, to be available when the Sens pick. Whether they trade DeBrincat to the Red Wings or not, they still have some other potential partners. Keep in mind also, that the Senators are interested in a goalie. So, that may factor in who they trade with for a first-rounder within a package deal. Some teams that come to mind (with selection order): Arizona (6, 12), Winnipeg (18), Vancouver (11), Philadelphia (7). These teams may have goaltenders available, as well as desirable draft spots. Assuming the Sens do trade for a first-round pick and do not end up flipping it directly for a top-tier tender, here are some options. Ideally, the Sens would be looking for a goal-scorer to replace DeBrincat’s skillset.
The Top Mid-First Round 2023 Draft Pick Gem for the Ottawa Senators
When a mid-first-round draft pick possibility comes to mind, look no further than Gabe Perreault. Perreault broke Auston Matthews record for single-season scoring with the US under 18 NTDP. Anytime you can say you topped Matthews in scoring, that is saying something. This guy can flat-out put up numbers. Furthermore, he has pedigree, a trait the Senators organization seems to value. Players like Brady Tkachuk, Jake Sanderson, Mark Kastelic, and a few others all had dads that played in the NHL or professionally. Gabe’s father just happens to be Yanic Perreault, who tallied 247 career goals throughout his respectable NHL career. Back to Gabe, he will need some time to physically mature, so he might not be the answer right off the hop for 2023-24. However, if he is to replace DeBrincat for offensive skill, Perreault is taller. So, it could just be a perfect fit for Ottawa over the next couple of years.
A Hard Nosed Option
The next potential target for the Senators is Brayden Yager. TSN’s Craig Button has him at 14 according to his mock draft. Yes, you are probably saying, well Yager is not a sniper as suggested to replace DeBrincat. In contrast, he does tick a lot of the other boxes. He is a two-hundred-foot player, and likely the highest-ranked player to fit that description. Also, many young players if developed correctly, and given ample power play ice-time, can add offensive flair. Look at Shane Pinto’s 20-goal rookie campaign as an example. Yager can already shoot the puck well. The bonus for him is coming from the notoriously physical WHL. Specifically, beneficial for Ottawa if he might be available later in the first round. For instance, a team like the Winnipeg Jets picks at 18. We all heard the rumours of Connor Hellebuyck being on the move.
Another Elite Goal Getter
Ryan Leonard is enough elite producer option. Depending on who the Sens end up swapping for, this one might be a touch optimistic. Craig Button’s ranking has him at seven. On the other hand, ELITE Prospects drop him down to 12, so it is a possibility for the Senators. Our team slots him in at ten. Either way, Leonard has offensive abilities that cannot be ignored. He’s powerful, fast, and more importantly, able to find open areas in the offensive zone. Combine these skills with a hard shot, and a presence to get to the net front, he is a genuine threat. To cap it all off, he notched 51 goals for the US under 18 NTDP in 2022-23. Some may point to this being a loaded squad. Of course, that may be true, but for him to emerge as a goal-scorer on a deep roster, is significant.
If Not These Three, Are There Others?
There are some other players that the Senators could consider should the opportunity so present itself. Colby Barlow is another option. He’s a sniper, who notched 46 goals in 59 games for the Owen Sound Attack in his draft-eligible season. In addition, Matthew Wood of the UCONN Huskies is one of the prospects with the highest ceilings. Of course, Will Smith is a top-tier forward, who could be in play, depending on how high the Sens can select in the first round. One final name worth mentioning is Matvei Michkov. The Senators might end up in that sweet spot of the first round, or why not take the chance on him?
Whatever We Do, Expect the Unexpected
One thing is for sure, as we learned from the 2022 draft, anything is possible. This is where the Sens picked up Alex DeBrincat for the seventh overall pick. The draft is a fluid event, and anything can change with a surprise selection or unexpected trade. The nice thing about the 2023 first-round, is that it is so deep, so any selection might be a gem. Furthermore, the purpose of trading DeBrincat might just be to try to shore up the goaltending front. The one interesting aspect about this prospect is that they leave the potential to throw in a goaltending piece. All three top organizational goalies would be in play: Anton Forsberg, Leevi Merilainen, and Mads Sogaard. Maybe a three-way deal with flipping the Red Wing pick for a goaltender. Therefore, as bait the Senators have potentially DeBrincat, a goalie prospect, and probably a depth-type prospect. Does this guarantee a top goalie and a first-round pick in return? If we look inside the top-ten selections, likely not. However, if we parse through for later gems, then possibly. Ideally, we would be talking about a sniper to replace the two-time, 41-goal-man, DeBrincat.
Main Photo: Marc DesRosiers-USA TODAY Sports
