Ottawa Senators Reevaluate Alex DeBrincat Trade Strategy

Ottawa Senators' front office still feels the ripple effects of the Alex DeBrincat deal, a trade that cost three high picks in 2022 and returned modest assets, while the team now sits 6th in the Eastern Conference with a 44-27 record and a one‑game winning streak.

How did the DeBrincat trade unfold?

The Senators grabbed the two‑time 40‑goal scorer from Chicago on July 7, 2022, surrendering their first‑ and second‑round selections that year plus a 2024 third‑rounder. Management hoped DeBrincat would lock up a top‑six spot alongside Tim Stützle, Brady Tkachuk and Drake Batherson, pushing Ottawa into playoff contention.

What happened after the acquisition?

DeBrincat posted 27 goals and 66 points in 82 games, a dip from his Chicago numbers and a career‑low –31 rating. Ottawa hovered around .500 before a late‑season slump cost them a playoff berth. When the winger made it clear he wouldn’t re‑sign, Pierre Dorion moved him to Detroit in July 2023, ending a brief Ottawa stint.

What did Chicago receive?

The Blackhawks turned Ottawa’s first‑rounder into defenseman Kevin Korchinski, a high‑upside prospect who has yet to crack a regular‑season lineup, appearing in just 13 games last season. Their second‑round pick became forward Paul Ludwinski, still finding his footing, and the 2024 fourth‑rounder AJ Spellacy is set for an AHL debut. None have become impact players yet.

Did Ottawa lose the deal?

On paper, Ottawa surrendered three valuable picks for a one‑year rental that didn’t spark a playoff push. Yet the assets Chicago obtained have yet to deliver consistent NHL production, meaning the Senators may have mitigated the loss. The trade also freed cap space and allowed the club to focus on developing its core of Stützle, Tkachuk and Batherson, who are now leading a squad that’s climbing the Eastern ladder.

What’s next for the Senators’ asset strategy?

With the team perched at 44‑27 and riding a win streak, management appears to be re‑tooling rather than overhauling. Future drafts will likely target high‑ceiling forwards and defensemen to replace the picks given up. The front office’s willingness to part with premium selections will be measured against the progress of its current roster and the looming free‑agency market.

How should fans view the DeBrincat saga?

Supporters can see the trade as a calculated gamble that bought a season of excitement but didn’t yield a playoff ticket. The real story is how Ottawa leverages the lessons learned to avoid similar pitfalls, ensuring that every pick and player acquisition pushes the club closer to sustained contention.