(670 The Score) Hours before the start of the NHL Draft on Thursday evening, the Blackhawks made a blockbuster move.
Chicago traded 24-year-old star forward Alex DeBrincat to Ottawa in exchange for the No. 7 overall pick in the first round Thursday as well as a second-round pick at No. 39 overall. Additionally, Chicago also acquired a 2024 third-round pick from Ottawa.
“We thank Alex for his tireless dedication to the Blackhawks organization over the last five seasons and wish him the best in Ottawa,” general manager Kyle Davidson said in a statement. “It was an incredibly difficult decision to trade a player of Alex’s caliber. We feel as if this move sets the Blackhawks up for future success by giving us additional flexibility and future talent. Securing this early of a first-round pick for tonight and an additional second-round selection tomorrow allows us to fortify our prospect base with high-end players who we expect to be a difference-makers in the coming years.
“Although we didn’t have a first pick in the draft until today, our scouting staff has been anticipating this scenario. I have been clear in my desire to move into the first round, and we are excited to move up and make a pick this evening.”
DeBrincat had 41 goals last season, which ranked 13th in the NHL. He had 307 points (160 goals, 147 assists) in 368 regular-season games across five seasons with Chicago.
In addition to their newly acquired first-round pick, the Blackhawks now own three second-round picks. They also have three third-round picks, two sixth-round picks and one seventh-round pick.
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