Ex-Blackhawk Alex DeBrincat sounds off on “shock” of trade

The Alex DeBrincat era is officially over in the Windy City, as the Chicago Blackhawks decided to shock their fans and the rest of the hockey world by unceremoniously trading him to the rebuilding Ottawa Senators, and in return receiving the seventh overall pick (used to select defenseman Kevin Korchinski) along with a second-round pick in 2022 and a third-round pick in 2024.

In 368 career games played with Chicago, DeBrincat was one of the most productive forwards on the squad, tallying 160 goals and 147 assists which included two seasons of 40+ goals; last year, he registered a career high of 41 goals and 37 assists. 

Needless to say, despite having heard rumors of potentially being dealt, DeBrincat wasn't prepared for the actual news of the deal having gone down. 

"My immediate reaction was just shock," he said. "I saw some rumors and stuff, but until it actually happens, you don't expect it."

"I was ready to be in Chicago for a long time," he continued. "That was just the way I thought about it.

I've never been traded before in any league — I kinda stick to the same teams for the most part — so this is a different experience for me."

"It's been a whirlwind couple days." 

It wouldn't be long before DeBrincat officially bid goodbye to the Blackhawks with a social media post on his Instagram page: 

"Chicago, thank you for an unforgettable start to my career," DeBrincat wrote in the caption. "I am so grateful for the fans, teammates, and organization that made the city a home for the last 5 years. Chicago will always hold a special place in my heart. With that being said, I’m so excited to get to work in Ottawa in October. #GoSensGo"

DeBrincat comes to the Canadian capitol city with one year left on his current contract that carries a $6.4 million salary cap