It appears that the Winnipeg Jets and Ottawa Senators have a young forward who is unwilling to sign with their team, and that might give both teams a reasonable reason to swap their players long-term. Pierre-Luc Dubois, drafted third overall by the Columbus Blue Jackets, was traded to the Winnipeg Jets on January 23, 2021, in a deal that saw Patrick Lane and Jack Roslovic move to Columbus. Alex DeBrincat, initially drafted 39th overall by the Chicago Blackhawks, was traded to the Senators for a first- and second-round pick in 2022 along with a third-round draft pick in 2024.
DuBois is coming off a career high with 27 goals and 36 assists for 63 points, while DeBrinkat has career highs with 39 assists and assists one year into his second 41-goal season. Both players finished fourth in total points for their respective teams. At face value, this makes it appear more even for either side when considering a potential deal.
DeBrincat’s future as a Senator depends on the team’s sale, and that leaves general manager Pierre Dorion in a difficult position. He is exploring all options When it comes to DeBrincat, and while he’d like to sign him to a long-term extension, DeBrincat wants to know the team’s future and see what direction the team’s new owners offer.
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As I mentioned first Pierre Lebrun on Insider TradingThe player’s agent, Pat Bryson, has informed the Jets that Dubois has no intention of signing any contract with the organization prior to the 2023-24 season. There were reports throughout the season that he wanted to be the Montreal Canadiens, Which shouldn’t come as a surprise to fans. While he can be a sexy reportage type, the Quebec-born and raised Dubois would certainly like to fit into his hometown team.
What DuBois brings to Ottawa
The Senators are definitely a tightly knit team, and they play for each other, especially when things get tougher on the ice. The team had three players in the 2022-23 season register more than 100 penalty minutes. Dubois, who is listed at 6-foot-4 and weighs 214 pounds, will fit into this rough mold in Ottawa. In each of his full seasons with Winnipeg, he recorded significant penalty minutes totals. In 2021-22, he had 106 penalty minutes and scored 77 fewer penalty minutes the following season.
Dubois doesn’t hit much, however, and has the framework to be one of the leading powers with the Senators if he gets acquired. He only recorded 71 hits In the 2022-23 season, while he was ninth on the Jets in terms of strikeouts, he was tied for 16th on the Senators.
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DuBois brings a patient forward presence to any team he’s on and the Senators could use the extra depth in the middle. He averaged 18:27 a night and scored a lot of snaps, which helped him achieve a shooting percentage of 13.2. Most importantly, he is highly effective in power play and when the game is tied late in the game. Those are two areas where the team will almost certainly deploy Dubois as it perfects its game to be more physical and fit the Senators’ style of play.
What DeBrincat brings to Winnipeg
DeBrincat is smaller than Dubois, listed at 5-foot-8, and weighs 178 pounds. It is fiery, intense, and plays to the sound of the last bell that a number of coaches appreciate. It’s also really good at undercutting High risk chances when he’s on the ice. Most importantly, he has an incredibly fast footspeed. His foot pace is something that could easily be paired with Nikolaj Ehlers, and with good reason. DeBrincat, who is one season away from his 41-goal season, needs a one-liner to elevate his game while providing the same he needs. Ehlers can use a mate who can compliment him and shoot the puck when it is received in an effective manner.
Jets fans are passionate, and this can be easily noticed at home matches. DeBrincat liked the spotlight of the original Six that he received in Chicago. He is unmatched for a Jets home game at any point in the season, and will fuel DeBrincat with energy, especially if he finds his 41-goal form again.
What does the trade look like?
There is a scenario that leaves both Jets and Senators fans shocked. Dubois and DeBrincat will be the key pieces in this trade, the Senators need a goaltender and could target Conor Hellboick. It’s available and could be the missing puzzle piece the Senators are looking for.
The Jets can get some pieces from the Senators that help their future, as the team looks to retool, not rebuild. The deal involving Dubois and Debrinat is very successful. Including Hellebuyck would make this one of the biggest deals we see out of the season. Realistically, Kevin Sheffieldive would have been enjoying either a 1-for-1 trade or a deal involving both players and selectors both ways.
The Jets and Senators both have a lot to consider when making a deal for established players who could thrive as star pieces elsewhere. It is in the best interests of both teams to move these players now and find potential matches for Dubois and DeBrincat in Winnipeg or Ottawa. The biggest challenge staring Winnipeg in the face remains the saga where DuBois wants to be part of the Canadians. Creating a market that is not limited to Montreal will be an interesting story in the future.