The Chicago Blackhawks have decided to move on from star winger and top goal scorer Alex DeBrincat. The team announced today that DeBrincat has been traded to The Ottawa Senators in exchange for the 7th and 39th overall pick in this years draft, plus a third round pick in 2024.

This move will certainly upset fans. There’s no other way to put it. I wrote about the possibility of a DeBrincat trade weeks ago and knew this would be risky. It’s difficult to understand why a team would move on from a 24-year star who has yet to touch his ceiling. But at this point, the Blackhawks viewed DeBrincat as an asset that would garner a return so large that it would positively impact the future of the franchise.

The Return

It had been rumored that the Blackhawks were looking to acquire multiple first-round draft picks and a promising young NHL-ready player that would slot into the lineup this upcoming season. They did not get that whatsoever. Kyle Davidson deemed Ottawa's offer the greatest package possible. They will be able to select a top player in this years draft with the 7th overall pick. We will have updates as to who that will be. This is quite a small return compared to what was rumored. I am certainly stunned to say the least.

DeBrincat's Next Contract

Like I said before, it’s tough to look at this decision and be happy. They didn't exactly get the haul everyone was expecting, but the 7th overall pick will help for the future. 40-goal scorers don’t grow on trees. But neither does money. The Hawks were faced with a tough decision regarding the money that DeBrincat would be requesting when his contract is up. His qualifying offer is set to be $9 million after the 2022-23 season and the reality is the organization did not want to be locked into that during a rebuild. The qualifying offer of $9 million would only be the start of the negotiation. He most likely will command $10 million + from Ottawa, matching similar top goal scorer's around the league. He's worth it, but the organization believes that now is not the time to be giving out contracts like that. Kyle Davidson will be able to use this money in the future. For what you ask? Time will only tell.

What Does This Mean For The Future?

The Hawks acquired assets that will allow them to build around going forward. But the organization is now without one of their most popular players and teammates. At this moment it is uncertain what will come of players like Jonathan Toews and Patrick Kane. Kyle Davidson expressed that he will not be asking the two future Hall-Of-Famers to waive their no-move clauses unless they request a trade. Patrick Kane shared his thoughts at the end of last season in regards to the future, impending rebuild, and playing with The Cat.

"It could be a good thing. I’ve enjoyed always being around the younger guys and I feel like I’m still a young kid at heart, the way I go about my business and daily life. But I think another thing is, obviously I’ve developed some chemistry with DeBrincat over the years. And if he’s here and if he’s a big piece, then that makes it easier for me, too, right? Because I’m playing with him every day and he’s such a good player and it makes it fun to be out there with him. We’ll see how it all shakes out."

That's about as straightforward as it gets. Kane has now seen two players he has had great chemistry with shipped out of town. His displeasure with the organization was apparent when Panarin was dealt and I expect this trade to garner a similar reaction. It's a difficult day for most fans of the team. The Stan Bowman era has soured many on the idea of trading a star player, and rightfully so. Time is the only answer to a trade like this. It will be interesting to see who they select tonight with the 7th overall pick. Stay strong Hawks fans, the rebuild in Chicago has officially begun.