Senators officially place Alex DeBrincat on the trade block

Sportsnet NHL insider Elliotte Friedman dropped a huge update on Ottawa Senators forward Alex DeBrincat today and... well... it's got Sens fans feeling a little nervous.

According to Friedman the Senators are exploring trade options for DeBrincat, who is a pending UFA next summer and needs a contract as an RFA this summer.

More from Friedman:

There is word Monday afternoon that the Ottawa Senators have begun examining the trade market for winger Alex DeBrincat.

One source referred to it as “Ottawa’s due diligence,” as, according to multiple people, DeBrincat recently indicated he wished to wait until the completion of the Senators’ ownership saga before thinking of committing to a long-term extension. Even if the Senators pick a new owner in the near future, there’s still the sale-closing process — which will take time.

DeBrincat needs a new contract for 2023-24. He is one year away from unrestricted free agency.

As a result, the team is considering all options, everything from taking him to arbitration to a trade. With the NHL Draft 23 days away, the Senators absolutely need to know what could be available in exchange. (Neither GM Pierre Dorion nor agent Jeff Jackson would comment to Sportsnet.)

DeBrincat was fourth on the Senators in goals (27) and points (66) in 2022-23, but is one year removed from the second 41-goal season of his career. No doubt, there will be plenty of interest.

- Elliotte Friedman

Obviously whatever the Senators decide to do with DeBrincat this offseason will have an enormous impact on the team's immediate and long-term future.

The 25 year old DeBrincat is coming off a contract that paid him $6.4 million on a three year deal. He put up impressive offensive statistics in his first season in Ottawa, but still fell short of his career best in 2021-22 with the Chicago Blackhawks. Sure, he managed 27 goals and 66 points with the Senators in 2022-23, but that's after a 41 goal, 78 point career beast season with the Blackhawks in 2021-22. Now... to be fair, he didn't have Patrick Kane playing on his wing, but it's not like he didn't get top billing in Ottawa.