No matter what you feel about this week’s Bowen Byram trade, the fact is that the Chicago Blackhawks just acquired a star defenseman who should be a blue-line leader for the next decade as the team turns into a contender. The problem many have pointed out, however, is that the trade did nothing to solve Connor Bedard’s lack of linemates. The team absolutely cannot run it back with a player like Andre Burakovsky on Bedard’s wing. Roman Kantserov should be a nice addition at the top of the lineup, but the Blackhawks will need a proven star to help maximize Bedard’s production.
There’s been talk all week about the availability of superstar Jason Robertson, which would obviously be a massive acquisition for Chicago. The issue would be the asking price, especially with the Blackhawks no longer owning the fourth overall pick. Robertson would likely cost them multiple stars starting with Frank Nazar, and if the move goes awry, it could be crippling for Chicago’s difficult rebuild.
The solution? Bring on an old friend. According to a report from David Pagnotta on Thursday, six teams have called the Red Wings about 28-year-old winger Alex DeBrincat. Among them, of course, were the Blackhawks, his employer for the first five seasons of his career.
DeBrincat was great for the Blackhawks, putting up 78 points in the 2021-22 season before being traded to the Senators—a move that kicked off Chicago’s scorched-earth rebuild. He posted a career high last season in Detroit, logging 41 goals and 44 assists in 82 games. He’s a pure sniper whose skill set would pair perfectly with Bedard’s ability to get his teammates the puck. DeBrincat has one year left on a four-year, $31.5 million contract, so he’s eligible to sign an extension next week.
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Pagnotta reported that the Red Wings haven’t explicitly been exploring a trade, but such a move would certainly make sense. Detroit is at least revamping its lineup, and it wouldn’t be a surprise if that started with moving DeBrincat. Other teams who have made calls include the Oilers, Maple Leafs, Devils, Kraken, and Sabres. It’s worth noting that DeBrincat has a 16-team no-trade list built into his contract.
The Blackhawks grabbing DeBrincat wouldn’t be as league-altering as a Jason Robertson addition, but that might be exactly what Chicago needs. He’s a high-end sniper who will help them win now and can be a part of the franchise for the next several years, and the Blackhawks won’t have to completely dismantle their young group to get him. With three first-round picks at their disposal in next year’s draft, the Blackhawks should be picking up the phone this weekend to get their next star.
