DeBrincat is right here for Hawks rebuild, hopes to speed up it initially appeared on NBC Sports activities Chicago
When the Blackhawks traded away Brandon Hagel on the March 21 deadline, it signaled simply how severe GM Kyle Davidson was a few rebuild. However actuality most likely did not begin sinking in till just a little after that.
Regardless of choosing up 5 out of six factors within the three video games that adopted the commerce deadline, the Blackhawks have since gained solely two of their final 13 video games, and in these two wins, they wanted additional time or a shootout to shut the deal. If we’re being brutally trustworthy, this may be a glimpse of what subsequent 12 months can be like for the Blackhawks.
Alex DeBrincat was lately requested whether or not he is wrapped his head across the rebuild but, and right here was his response:
“This stretch has been fairly powerful, however I believe now we have loads we are able to work on and construct off of,” DeBrincat mentioned on April 15. “Clearly subsequent 12 months, with the rebuild, we would lose extra video games than we win however that’s clearly by no means the aim. If we come out sizzling or doing effectively, there’s no level to rebuild after that, proper?
“I believe if we are able to nonetheless simply instill a superb identification and compete each evening, it’s our job to win video games whether or not now we have a superb staff or a nasty staff. We’ve acquired to do our greatest to compete and actually come to work on daily basis and work exhausting, and simply be there to attempt to win.”
When Davidson declared a rebuild on March 1, the subject rapidly shifted to the futures of Patrick Kane and Jonathan Toews. They’re each 33 years previous — Toews turns 34 on Friday — with one 12 months left on their contracts after this season. Do they need to be round for it? That is the large query.
After which there’s DeBrincat, who’s 24 years previous and simply getting into the prime of his profession. He is about to wrap up a profession statistical season in Yr 5 on the NHL degree, however he hasn’t tasted postseason success but, other than the 2020 bubble in Edmonton. It may be some time earlier than he does, too.
I requested DeBrincat after Monday’s morning skate whether or not he is talked to or plans to speak to Kane and Toews about what they may be feeling, and he appeared dedicated to being part of the Blackhawks’ rebuild no matter what occurs with them.
“We’ll speak perhaps just a little sooner or later, however that is type of their choice,” DeBrincat mentioned. “It does not actually have an effect on me. I am nonetheless younger. I need to assist carry this staff to the playoffs and win. I am right here to do no matter I can and clearly attempt to assist win video games. If that is the rebuild subsequent 12 months, hopefully assist among the younger guys are available and really feel snug and excel that rebuild.”
The query now shifts to, will DeBrincat be round for it? It sounds silly to recommend, however the Blackhawks haven’t got many tradable belongings to kickstart a long-term rebuild aside from DeBrincat and Kane, who has a full no-movement clause, and you must surprise how a lot consideration DeBrincat’s title may get from different groups this summer season and whether or not the Blackhawks can be tempted to contemplate transferring him if the potential return swept them off their ft just like the Hagel bundle did.
DeBrincat can be a pending restricted free agent on the finish of the 2022-23 season, the identical 12 months as Kane and Toews, and he is anticipated to earn a reasonably substantial increase. His negotiating window opens on July 13, and the final time his window opened, he ironed out a three-year, $19.2 million deal ($6.4 million cap hit) fairly rapidly.
DeBrincat mentioned he is “open to something” this time round, however understands the Blackhawks have larger issues to type out first.
“We’ll see what they’re pondering,” DeBrincat mentioned. “I believe they’ve lots of issues to do most likely earlier than me. However I am open to speaking every time they’re, so we’ll see the place it goes.”
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