Buffalo Sabres: Pros and cons of an Alex DeBrincat trade

The Buffalo Sabres faithful are divided on a potential trade for Blackhawks winger Alex DeBrincat. Today, let’s explore the pros and cons of such a trade.

In a recent presser, Buffalo Sabres general manager Kevyn Adams implied the franchise would continue to build through the draft, likely meaning they won’t part ways with any first round draft picks to pursue a trade. However, one name that has remained on the radar is Blackhawks winger, Alex DeBrincat.

While a DeBrincat trade for a couple of first rounders would make sense considering he is still one of the league’s youngest forwards, it also makes sense to hold onto those draft picks and continue to build through the system. Personally, I feel Adams should remain undeterred and stick to the plan. He appears to be in the same camp, but it’s always important to stress the infamous smokescreen.

And that’s why we are again discussing a potential Alex DeBrincat trade. Will something like this happen? Probably not. But that doesn’t mean it’s not worth talking about.

What would the Buffalo Sabres need to give up for Alex DeBrincat?

We know Bleacher Nation reported the Blackhawks, if they were to trade DeBrincat, that such a trade would come the week of the 2022 NHL Entry Draft. Perhaps even the day of, or during the early stages of the draft.

They also revealed the Blackhawks reportedly rejected one offer already. An offer that included at least two first round picks. If that’s the case, the Sabres are one of a few teams that have multiple first round selections the Blackhawks want. Other teams with two or more firsties include the Arizona Coyotes, Winnipeg Jets, Montreal Canadiens, Columbus Blue Jackets, Anaheim Ducks, and Minnesota Wild.

High picks and NHL-caliber prospects

The Blackhawks understandably want at least two first round picks, and high picks at that, as they do not currently have a first round pick. Teams with multiple picks in the first round AND top-ten picks include the Canadiens, Coyotes, Blue Jackets, Sabres, and Ducks.

Bleacher Nation further reported the Blackhawks want multiple prospects with those multiple first round picks. Preferably prospects with potential to move up to the NHL in 2022-23.

Well, the Sabres can supply both. Not saying that, if it is true the Blackhawks turned down a blockbuster trade for DeBrincat that the Sabres were on the other line, but there is a chance they were.

So if the Sabres and Blackhawks were to get a deal done, why would this be a good thing and why would it be a not so good thing? Keep reading for the pros and cons of an Alex DeBrincat trade.

Cons

The obvious con would be general manager Kevyn Adams deviating from the plan he had set forth for the Buffalo Sabres: Build and find star players through the draft and the system. Trading for DeBrincat would throw off those plans entirely.

Then there is DeBrincat’s contract. He is playing in a contract year, slated to earn a $9 million salary. When he reaches the bargaining table as a restricted free agent, you can bet DeBrincat is going to want a ransom. Will the Sabres give it to him considering they have cornerstones to ink to extensions? Again, a trade for DeBrincat throws a dagger into their long-term plans.

Finally, we have the case of chemistry. If the Sabres were to trade for DeBrincat, he is yet another new face that would need to build chemistry with his new teammates. Chemistry that a certain RFA named Victor Olofsson already built. That alone is going to take time and it will see a growing pain or two.

Will the Sabres trade for DeBrincat?

I find this one highly unlikely. While the Buffalo Sabres fit the criteria for a DeBrincat trade, multiple high first-round picks, NHL-ready prospects, immense cap space for an extension, they would completely throw off everything they spent last season building.

While I would welcome DeBrincat and I am certainly not opposed to him coming to Buffalo, I also feel it carries too much risk. What if the Sabres traded two firsts and Jack Quinn for DeBrincat? We know that Quinn can evolve into a star player in this league and we also know the Sabres would be giving up draft picks for perhaps another pair of stars.

Plus, there is no guarantee DeBrincat plays at the same level in Buffalo. Given the risk involved, it further tells me a trade for DeBrincat won’t happen. I would be thrilled to see him in a Sabres uniform because I know what he brings to the table. But I’d be even more thrilled to see Kevyn Adams and company stick to his long-term plan.

So will the Sabres trade for DeBrincat? Probably not. But we also cannot 100 percent rule out the possibility. We will most likely find whether the Blackhawks move DeBrincat this week.

(Statistics provided by Hockey-Reference)