from Ian Mendes of The Athletic,
For the past several weeks, Alex DeBrincat’s camp has been steadfastly quiet as rumours swirled around his future in Ottawa.
But on Monday evening, DeBrincat’s agent Jeff Jackson wanted to address a storyline that is gaining traction.
After a headline in Postmedia stated, “Alex DeBrincat’s contract demands holding up trade from Ottawa Senators,” Jackson called the report “entirely false and without merit” in a text message to The Athletic.
Jackson wanted to clarify the circumstances around his client, which he believes has been mischaracterized in recent media reports.
“As far as I have been advised, there has been no agreement of any kind on an actual trade involving Alex and I would require that before entering into an actual negotiation,” wrote Jackson. “We are waiting patiently for that to happen.”
And when it comes to the notion that DeBrincat and his agent are acting as a barrier to the sniper’s own trade out of Ottawa, Jackson was very pointed in his assessment of the situation.
“Agents and players don’t make trades … that’s the GM’s job,” wrote Jackson.
DeBrincat does not hold a no-trade clause in his contract, so technically the Senators are free to send him to any club in the NHL — without requiring DeBrincat’s approval.
I think Pierre Dorion is playing games and doesn't want to trade him in the division.
Dorion traded for him giving up three draft picks -- 2022 1st & 2nd (# 7 and # 39) and a 2024 3rd round pick. Getting significantly less back one year later (while not making the playoffs) puts the target on his back--he'd rather the fans and owner focus on DeBrincat.
DeBrincat gave Dorion a places I would negotiate a long-term extension weeks ago. Dorion couldn't get a deal done.
Yet, even before that--DeBrincat's trade value was diminished (his 2022'-'23 campaign was not as good as previous playing with Patrick Kane). On top of that there is a flat cap that is diminishing the market--as evident during UFA opening days--that is making GM's weary to spend big money. DeBrincat is 1 year away from UFA so there is pressure to trade him as a full year rental (if a sign-and-trade deal can't be worked out) rather than a deadline rental.
DeBrincat holds some leverage as the Sens filed for arbitration and DeBrincat decide(S or D) on the term (1 year): he also said he won't re-sign as an UFA. The Sens have to reserve cap space in case they lose that arbitration. They also have to reserve cap space in case they can't make a fair value/just take-it trade and decide to keep him. That is costing them their whole off-season while other teams settle their rosters (further limiting DeBrincat's market).
I think Dorion has overplayed his hand and it has cost him shots at some of the top of the market UFA's.
Meow Meow Meow
So, Brincats representative screws the pooch and now young Alex is left holding the bag trying to get a deal. Lessons learned... even Stevie Why?, WAS interested..... See you next year Alex....
ExQuezze Me, DeBrincat.......
My pure speculation based on nothing is that DeBrincat wants a one-year deal so he can cash in as a UFA when the cap goes up. But Dorion doesn't want to do that, bkz he's going to walk next summer, and no other GM wants to give up much, PLUS his qualifying offer for a one-year rental who veryy much wants to test free agency.
via Bruce Garrioch of the Ottawa Sun,
Speaking on the highly popular Ray and Dregs Podcast Monday, TSN Insider Darren Dreger told co-host/former NHLer Ray Ferraro that DeBrincats camp is demanding an eight-year, $70.2 million (all figures U.S.) deal.
Thats the same deal forward Timo Meier signed with the New Jersey Devils last week. DeBrincat had 27 goals last season while Meier finished with 40 goals and 66 points.
Sounds like Ol' Jeff Jackson is trying to save his job by bullshitting his way around a situation he cocked up in the first place.
He is asking 8.775/year. That seems the going rate.
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