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With the Chicago Blackhawks realistically a few years away from competing for a playoff spot, it's widely expected that the team will explore potential trades for star forward Alex DeBrincat. The 24-year-old is simply outperforming Chicago's timeline, and it stands to reason that the team would be inclined to flip him for some younger assets and draft picks.
DeBrincat will have a plethora of suitors during the offseason and you can bet your bottom dollar that teams have already inquired about his availability ahead of Thursday's NHL Draft. There may not be a single trade piece more valuable than DeBrincat, who will become a restricted free agent after this season.
Last season in Chicago, DeBrincat scored a team-high 41 goals and added 37 assists. His 78 points trailed only Patrick Kane for the team lead, but despite his offensive efforts, the Blackhawks finished the season with just 68 points. Rather than risk the chance of losing DeBrincat without a significant return down the line, the Blackhawks will be actively looking to offload him this summer when his value is at its highest.
With that in mind, here are the three best trade destinations for Alex DeBrincat this offseason.
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Alex DeBrincat: 3 best trade destinations in 2022 NHL offseason
The Los Angeles Kings made the first marquee move of the offseason when they acquired Kevin Fiala from the Minnesota Wild. They might not be done yet. The Kings are still reeling after a disappointing first-round exit in the playoffs, but this is still a team filled with promise and rising talent.
The Kings' weak point last season was in the offensive third, and their acquisition of Fiala will certainly help address that. But if they're serious about contending in 2022-23, the Kings should go all out and try to land DeBrincat. They're expected to extend Fiala's contract, and could do the same for DeBrincat when he becomes an RFA next year. DeBrincat has everything the Kings should be looking for, being that he's still 24 and already has a 40-goal campaign under his belt.
The Red Wings had a rough year in 2021-22, but they have talented pieces to build around. Moritz Seider is fresh off a Calder Trophy win, and Dylan Larkin is looking like the real deal. Lucas Raymond boasts tremendous potential, and Tyler Bertuzzi is shaping into a solid player, too. What the team lacks is a first-line caliber right-winger, and they could get exactly that in DeBrincat.
At 24-years-old, DeBrincat lines up perfectly with the rest of Detroit's core. The Red Wings could be on the verge of contending for the playoffs, and adding DeBrincat into the mix would be a huge boost towards achieving that. If the price isn't too steep for Detroit, a trade with the Blackhawks could be the best move for the Red Wings in the NHL offseason.
The Devils are expected to be big players this offseason. With the No. 2 pick to dangle, it's expected that New Jersey will be on the prowl for top-tier talent as they look to make the jump to the playoffs. New Jersey was one of the teams that had the closest links to Kevin Fiala before the Kings swooped in, so it stands to reason that they'd target another one of the best available wingers in DeBrincat.
A combination of Jack Hughes and DeBrincat would be nothing short of lethal. Add Jesper Bratt into the equation and the Devils have the makings of an extremely talented top line, none of whom are over 24 years old. The fit is about as perfect as can be, and if the Devils aren't working to make a DeBrincat trade work, it'd be a colossal mistake for the franchise.
