Update on the DeBrincat Rumors

EDITOR'S NOTE: After Ash M. masterfully crafted this article, Frank Seravalli of the Daily Faceoff, who initially reported on the likelihood of a DeBrincat trade at the NHL Draft, is now reporting that DeBrincat's days are numbered as a Blackhawk. Could this happen in time for the draft?

EDITOR'S NOTE: Ben Pope, Blackhawks reporter for the Chicago Sun-Times also had this to add:

EDITOR'S NOTE: Pierre LeBrun also adding to the noise with his latest updates on draft week in his Athletic article. Basically, he corroborates the suggestion that teams are putting their best efforts forth for DeBrincat. The Blackhawks are hoping for a first round draft pick, so the conversation starts there and the deal would need to be made before the draft.

There seems to be more and more rumors surrounding Alex Debrincat being traded, but there are two important questions. For what and to where? There have been a variety of different teams linked to these rumors, such as the New Jersey Devils and the Philadelphia Flyers.

The Blackhawks are looking for a package with first round picks and prospects because they are undergoing a rebuild. It's been said that they have turned down numerous offers. If that is true, it seems to me that they don't want to trade him at all. In my opinion, he can be part of the core of the rebuild, along with Patrick Kane and Seth Jones.

According to Elliote Friedman of SportsNet, the Devils will only consider trading their second overall pick for a player under team control. No one knows how long they want team control, but DeBrincat only has two more seasons. After that, he would need to be extended. Personally, I don't see the Devils wanting to do that with such little time, but giving up a huge pick.

The Flyers have been rumored to have made an offer to the Blackhawks for DeBrincat. According to Friedman, the Flyers don't want to give up their fifth overall pick for him. I don't see the Blackhawks accepting an offer from them if that pick wasn't included in the package. For a player like DeBrincat, I personally wouldn't trade him for anything less than a third overall pick.

DeBrincat is only 24 and entering his prime. He already has two seasons in his career where he has scored over 40 goals and will only continue to get better. Playing aside Patrick Kane, who is also playing some of his best hockey, he will continue to produce on the ice. Kane has also been very vocal about how much he enjoys playing with him, which may even play a part in him staying in Chicago. I don't think it would make sense for the Blackhawks to trade DeBrincat right now, especially with no teams offering what he's truly worth.