BREAKING: Senators About to Make a Mistake With Alex DeBrincat

PUBLICATION

Sam Walker
June 3, 2023 (3:02 PM)

SHARE THIS STORY

According to Bruce Garrioch of Postmedia, Ottawa Senators' general manager Pierre Dorion is leaving no stone unturned in his pursuit of re-signing restricted free agent forward Alex DeBrincat. Dorion is willing to offer DeBrincat an eight-year contract extension worth a staggering $9 million per year. However, the 25-year-old winger has yet to make a decision about his future, leaving the Senators in a state of uncertainty.

While the Senators' willingness to go to great lengths to retain DeBrincat demonstrates their desire for his talents, offering such a substantial contract may not be a wise decision from a financial perspective.

DeBrincat's last season in a Chicago Blackhawks jersey consisted of 78 points, his first in a Senators jersey, with a much more skilled team and line-mates? 66, a large drop, and at a price tag of $9M per year for his qualifying offer, is it really worth it?

While it's understandable that DeBrincat wants to carefully consider his options, the Senators find themselves in a challenging position as they approach the draft and free agency. Dorion expressed the team's need for a timely decision, acknowledging that if DeBrincat isn't interested in a long-term deal or if they can't agree on a reasonable salary, the Senators will explore other avenues, including potential trades or arbitration.

It's no secret that the Senators have faced significant upheaval in recent years, and the franchise's ownership situation adds another layer of uncertainty. Dorion expects to have a clearer picture of the situation before the draft, making the next month crucial for the team.

DeBrincat's performance in his first season with Ottawa was solid, although his numbers dipped compared to his time in Chicago. Despite tallying 27 goals and 39 assists in 82 games, his even strength production declined. Dorion acknowledged that DeBrincat faced challenges during the season but showed improvement as time went on, giving the team optimism for a return to his elite scoring form, particularly when he notched multiple 40-goal seasons in Chicago.