The Ottawa Senators have begun examining the trade market for forward Alex DeBrincat, reports Sportsnet's Elliotte Friedman.
DeBrincat, 25, is a restricted free agent this summer and requires a $9-million qualifying offer. He's one season away from becoming an unrestricted free agent.
The Senators are described as considering all options, from salary arbitration to a potential trade, per Friedman. DeBrincat indicated that he wanted to wait until the completion of the team's ownership sale before considering a long-term commitment.
Ottawa's general manager Pierre Dorion said there was "no chance" the team would trade DeBrincat in February.
DeBrincat was acquired by the Senators on draft day last July. Ottawa sent the seventh overall pick, the 39th overall pick, and a 2024 third-round pick to Chicago in the transaction. The Blackhawks drafted defenseman Kevin Korchinski and forward Paul Ludwinski with the selections.
The Michigan native scored 27 goals and registered 66 points in his first season with Ottawa, ranking fourth on the team in both categories. DeBrincat has tallied 41 goals twice in his career, most recently doing so in 2021-22 with the Blackhawks.
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