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A Flyers-Sens Trade for Alex DeBrincat Makes Sense

By Scott Cole

Mar 23, 2023; Ottawa, Ontario, CAN; Ottawa Senators right wing Alex DeBrincat (12) celebrates his goal scored in the first period against the Tampa Bay Lightning at the Canadian Tire Centre. Mandatory Credit: Marc DesRosiers-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 23, 2023; Ottawa, Ontario, CAN; Ottawa Senators right wing Alex DeBrincat (12) celebrates his goal scored in the first period against the Tampa Bay Lightning at the Canadian Tire Centre. Mandatory Credit: Marc DesRosiers-USA TODAY Sports /
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The Senators are a mess right now. The team is up for sale. They haven’t made the playoffs in the last six seasons. They came close this year, but even the additions of Claude Giroux and Alex DeBrincat couldn’t get them into the postseason. And it is this mess that the Flyers and general manager Daniel Briere could make a huge move.

We already know Briere has the guts to make a big deal. In his first ever move as the Flyers general manager, he swung for the fences as unloaded Ivan Provorov. The return for that deal could, potentially, be quite a lot depending on how the draft picks and Helge Gans pan out.

With some of the ammunition taken from that trade, the Flyers should cast their eyes north to Ottawa. Why? Well, DeBrincat, a two-time 40 goal scorer with Chicago, may want out of the Canadian capital city after just one season there. The Flyers reportedly had interest in him last offseason. He is in the last year of a three year $19 million deal he signed in Chicago. He is a restricted free agent. Ottawa is in a state of rebuilding. The 25 year old winger, despite being just 5’8″ would look great flying up the boards, bringing the puck into the offensive zone.

So, what could the Flyers package to Ottawa?

First of all, the goalie situation in Ottawa is kind of a mess. The Flyers could offer newly acquired Cal Petersen to the Senators. It has also been suggested that Carter Hart could be moved to the Senators. Hart would probably bring the better return because of his age, but Petersen has a longer track record and less of an injury history.

Then there are the draft picks. The Sens do not have any picks in the first three rounds of the draft this year. The Flyers have two first rounds, a second rounder, and two third rounders. Overall, the Flyers have ten picks.

Ottawa isn’t the only team that has disgruntled players. Kevin Hayes and Tony DeAngelo are probably the next two guys to be moved, if not Hart. The Senators also have $15 in cap space. They could easily afford Hayes and DeAngelo and their veteran experience could easily help a young team out.

If I were Briere, I would offer one of the two following packages:

Trade One: Carter Hart, Kevin Hayes and/or Tony DeAngelo, 2023 Second Round Pick for Alex DeBrincat, 2024 Second Round Pick, and a prospect

Trade Two: Cal Petersen, Hayes and/or DeAngelo, 2023 Third Round Pick for Alex DeBrincat, 2024 Second Round Pick, and a prospect

I would, however, make the deal contingent on being able to sign DeBrincat to an extension. He would immediately bring scoring firepower to a team on the wing that has sorely been lacking. The Flyers would clear up a lot of salary cap space, acquire a great scorer, and continue on their youth movement. If anything, it’s worth taking a look at.

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