In February 2019, Pierre Dorion bravely stated that the day Mark Stone changed was his proudest day as general manager of the Ottawa senators. Dorion has not made such a bold statement today, addressing the media after getting what could possibly turn out to be the best profession of his career, a box office hit that brought star Alex DeBrincat to Ottawa in change of a handful of elections. but if they had, they would probably have been better received this time.
Debrincat, 24, was probably the best striker rumored to be available this offseason. The young winger scored 41 goals and 78 points in 2021-22 and has produced at this rate throughout his career. In addition to being a pure scorer, he is also a beloved analyst. Those who watch him a lot say he has a great shot and a great hockey IQ. According to Dorion, DJ Smith has said nice things about Debrincat’s hockey IQ, as this is what highlighted him when he trained against him in junior.
Broken is so good that before the exchange there was a lot of debate about whether Chicago should change it or not, as it is exactly the type of player a team would want to build.
Debrincat has often been overlooked for his size – only 5’7 – but he has a pretty physical hockey style, which is good because the Sens also like to play like that.
Addressing the media at the Bell Center after the exchange, Pierre Dorion said Debrincat had been his number 1 business target. It’s easy to understand why: not only is he an excellent player, he also seems to be fits perfectly with the current group of Sens strikers. Tim Stützle proved to be an excellent game creator last season after moving to the center, and with a 40-goal scorer on his side instead of the rotating third-party cast he led last year, he could reach a another level in 2022-23.
Perhaps it is worth noting that Debrincat has always played online with Patrick Kane, which probably helped boost his production. Ottawa doesn’t have anyone at that level (yet), but they do have enough talented strikers that it’s not like they have to lead their teammates. Among the top six, Ottawa now has two scorers in Norris and Debrincat, two players in Stützle and Batherson and Brady Tkachuk, who is his special type of player.
Debrincat finishes off the right but usually plays from the left. This could give senators more flexibility when it comes to potentially acquiring more strikers. I could also offer them two one-time options in powerplay, with him on one side and Norris on the other.
Dorion spoke of this move in the context of the team’s transition to a contender and the exit of the rebuilding phase. He reiterated that the goal is to play meaningful matches at the end of the season.
You should also think that this makes Ottawa a more attractive option for free agents such as a certain former Philadelphia Flyers captain.
Basically, it’s a good day to be a fan of the Ottawa Senators. I find it pretty amazing to say it.
Upgrading forward instead of defending
It’s no secret that the Sens have also been looking for an improvement in defense, especially on the right wing. Dorion did not answer whether he has just negotiated or not today, but it seems likely there will be more moves.
Using the seventh overall selection to get a striker is probably the move that made the most sense given what we know about the commercial market. The Senses also have enough potential on defense that they may be able to find an internal update. I don’t think the same can be said of their future prospects.
What about the selection?
This trade is an instant victory for Ottawa senators. Frankly, it is very unlikely that any of the three elections they resigned would turn out to be as good as Alex Debrincat.
Still, changing the seventh overall selection was a big move. Dorion told the press conference that there were “2 or 3” players he was considering selecting in the draft. In fact, he was so close to keeping the selection that Thomas Chabot had ready to announce it.
Chabot seems to have sent him a thumbs up and a heart when he received the news of the trade. A brilliant review of the alternate captain!
It’s downright ridiculous that the Sens have managed to do so without giving up a single player. I don’t think this selection is lost.
The question of the contract
Debrincat’s big concern is that he only has one year left on his current contract. In 2023 he will be a restricted free agent with arbitration rights and a qualified offer of $ 9 million. It will also be only a year to be able to try free agency without restrictions.
Historically, the Senses have had a lot of trouble re-signing free agents without pending restrictions, so it’s natural to be a little apprehensive about their ability to sign him, especially with Tim Stützle also being RFA next season and Sanderson still in his ELC. Still, they have a year to find out, and maybe a year of dating Brady Tkachuk and his friends will convince him to stay.
In Montreal, Dorion said he has not yet spoken to DeBrincat’s agent. The player will be able to sign a contract extension starting July 13, and Dorion says he plans to start talks this summer.
Asked about how he feels Detached about change, Dorion said it was a bit shocking, but that he is very excited to come to Ottawa and play with the young core of the Senses.
In addition, the Senses have the space for a big contract.
Commercial grade: A ++++++
Absolute robbers. Thanks, Pierre.