Since Alex DeBrincat made it clear that he did not want to sign a long-term extension with the Ottawa Senators, speculation has gone mad with predictions of where the forward and two-time 40+ goal scorer could end up next. The impending sale of the Senators is looming, which has taken more headlines in the nation’s capital than they could have ever thought. Reports are that the star forward is uncomfortable with the uncertainty of the franchise’s direction and where he fits into the plan.
Of course, with DeBrincat being a Michigan native, Detroit Red Wings fans have lobbied to bring back their hometown boy. However, no one was certain whether that was one of his desires or if he just wanted to be anywhere but Ottawa until recently. Per Sportsnet Insider Elliotte Friedman, Debrincat has disclosed a five-team wish list of teams that he believes he would accept being traded to.
"“I think one of them is Detroit, he’s from the area, I don’t think that’s going to surprise anyone, I think it’s possible the two teams in the final could be on his list too.” Friedman said."
That list has been given to the Senators’ front office and is rumored to include: Detroit, Nashville, Las Vegas, Florida, and Dallas. It is interesting to note that three of those five teams went deep into the playoffs this year and are expected to be contenders for the years to come.
The Detroit Red Wings are on Alex DeBrincat’s wishlist.
Whereas Detroit is not expected to be a cup contender for a few more years. If the Red Wings are genuinely on his wishlist, it could mean that he values playing in his hometown more than winning in the immediate future, which would give Detroit what they so desperately have been missing, A true goal-scoring threat.
With the NHL Entry Draft at the end of the month, we could hear a trade with Detroit announced involving Ottawa. Would adding a proven goalscorer that can fit into the lineup immediately be more valuable than drafting a player that could grow into that role? I would expect Ottawa to make a decision on DeBrincat by draft week.