Sharpshooter Alex DeBrincat was aware of the trade rumors swirling around him, but he was still shocked to learn that he was leaving the Chicago Blackhawks organization to join the Chicago Senators. 'Ottawa.
• Read also: Draft: the Bobrov-Lapointe era
• Read also: NHL Draft: Noah Warren and Tristan Luneau join Nathan Gaucher in Anaheim
• Read also: Rounds 2 to 7: the CH adds nine players, including a Quebecer
It's unusual to see a two-year 41-goal writer traded. It is even more so when he is only 24 years old and has one season left on his contract. DeBrincat admitted he was taken aback when the deal materialized.
“My immediate reaction was to be in shock, indicated by videoconference the American, whose remarks were taken up by the “Chicago Sun-Times”. I had seen some rumors, but you don't expect it until it happens."
DeBrincat potentially became the Hawks' best player last season. Despite the tormented season of the Illinois organization for various reasons, the winger still scored 41 goals and 78 points.
The former second-round pick in 2016 was therefore bewildered not to have become the cornerstone of the Blackhawks' reconstruction, which preferred three draft selections to him.
"I was ready to stay in Chicago for a long time," he continued. This is how I perceived [the rest of my career].”
“I have never been traded in the past, regardless of the league. Usually I stay on the same team. It's a whole different experience for me."
Before starting the new chapter of his young career, DeBrincat wanted to thank the organization that gave him his first chance in the best hockey league in the world.
“Chicago was like a second home to me. I got married there and became a father there. Thank you for supporting me through everything.”
Ready to play important matches
In five seasons in the National Hockey League, DeBrincat has only played nine playoff games in 2020. He said he is happy to play with a team that can aspire to a participation in the spring tournament as soon as the next campaign.
“I hope to play important games in Ottawa, he wished. I hope I will be an exciting player for the fans, that I will score goals and that I will be successful.”
"My goal is to win a Stanley Cup and I hope to achieve that here."
DeBrincat will join a group of young and talented forwards in Ottawa, led by Tim Stützle, Brady Tkachuk and Josh Norris, to name a few. He has already trained with the latter, who are both from Michigan.
"I'm really excited to join this young group and build something special," he added.
