Alex DeBrincat Traded to Senators from Blackhawks for No. 7, More NHL Draft Picks

Ahead of the NHL draft on Thursday night, the Chicago Hawks and the Senators moved up in the rankings.

In exchange for Alex DeBrincat, the Senators got picks No. 7 and 39 in the next two drafts.

The line was drawn between being a playoff contender and a rebuild going into the 22nd century. They finished seventh in the Central Division and missed the playoffs for the fourth year in a row.

Kyle Davidson was going to have a hard time going all-in on a rebuild without making a big change. Prior to the start of free agency, the team had no major contracts left on their books.

Patrick Kane said in April that he was hoping for a quick turn around.

Kane said that you can win and be in a rebuild. There are teams that have accelerated that as well. If you look at L.A., they had some young guys that probably came in and maybe exceeded some of their front-office expectations, and all of a sudden, they're in a spot where they can sign guys like Phillip Danault and trade for Viktor Stalberg.

Davidson and his staff are emphasizing a long-term approach rather than adding more money.

DeBrincat is an odd player for a rebuild. He's only 24 years old, just set a career-high with 78 points last season, and is under contract for $6.4 million next season before hitting restricted free agent.

James Neveau @JamesNeveau

If you're underwhelmed by the return on the first major move of the Blackhawks' rebuild.....you are correct. If that's the market rate for DeBrincat, then you're better off just holding onto him.

The trading of DeBrincat moves the Hawks into the first round. Last year, they dealt their top pick in the draft to the Blue Jackets in order to get Jones.

The Chicago Bears gave Jones an eight-year extension after the trade. The pick was traded by the Hawks. The pick they are getting from the Senators will allow them to get a high end prospect.

Pierre Dorion told reporters before the start of the season that the team's rebuild was over.

The Senators finished in seventh place in the Atlantic Division. They were the worst in the NHL in goals scored and goals allowed.

Adding a young, talented player like DeBrincat to the mix should greatly improve the scoring output of the team.