Report: DeBrincat Headed To Detroit; Islanders Miss Out On Offseason Upgrade Again

For what feels like too many times to count, the New York Islanders were tied to a high-profile goal scorer during the offseason and once again couldn’t seal the deal.

First reported by Elliotte Friedman of SportsNet, the Ottawa Senators intend to trade Alex DeBrincat to the Detroit Red Wings in exchange for Dominik Kubalik, Donovan Sebrango, a conditional first-round pick in the 2024 NHL Draft and a fourth-round pick the same year.

News Release: The #Sens have acquired forward Dominik Kubalik, prospect defenceman Donovan Sebrango, a conditional 2024 first-round draft pick and Detroit’s 2024 fourth-round selection in a trade w/ @DetroitRedWings in exchange for forward Alex DeBrincat: https://t.co/yOAcnmzBEl pic.twitter.com/x8oPl1oWz8

— Sens Communications (@Media_Sens) July 10, 2023

The Islanders were one of a few teams believed to be interested in acquiring the 25-year year forward as one the best young goal scorers in the NHL today. Last year, DeBrincat scored 27 goals for the Senators and has previously scored 40 goals in a season twice. However, with the limited amount of cap space they have, there was no guarantee the Islanders would be able to pay DeBrincat the kind of contract he desired.

According to Bruce Garrioch of the Ottawa Sun, DeBrincat, who is a restricted free agent, declined to sign an eight-year extension to stay in Ottawa. In turn, Senators general manager Pierre Dorion granted DeBrincat and his agent, Jeff Jackson, to seek a trade with a preferred team.

DeBrincat, a native of Farmington Hills, Michigan, is now headed to his hometown team and is expected to sign a four-year extension with an average annual value of $7.875 million per season.

Last offseason, the Islanders were reportedly interested in acquiring Johnny Gaudreau and Nazem Kadri to help bolster their offense. Instead, both players signed elsewhere.

This story will be updated as more information becomes available.