Rumor: Can Islanders GM Lamoriello Afford "Available" Alex DeBrincat?

There's a ton of talk about how the New York Islanders and Kevin Fiala are a perfect fit for each other in one of those "hockey trades" we continuously hear about, and rightfully so. Fiala is the 30-plus goal scorer the Islanders have been seeking for quite some time now. However, he's now not the only name on the rumor mill that makes a ton of sense for Isles GM Lou Lamoriello to inquire about. Chicago Blackhawks forward, Alex DeBrincat, is the latest name on the rumor mill that is said to possibly be available.

On the latest 32 Thoughts the Podcast with Elliotte Friedman and Jeff Marek, Friedman suggests that he's been told the Blackhawks are willing to take calls on just about anyone not named Patrick Kane, Jonathan Toews, and Seth Jones, and even then, they might entertain those offers. Marek went on to question, "Alex DeBrincat?"

"Yes, I was told you could ask. I mean, it would take a huge offer, but I don't think it's impossible."

Elliotte Friedman

The Blackhawks are surely headed for a rebuild and although at the ripe age of 24-years-old you would think a team would want to add to DeBrincat, however, 'Hawks GM Kyle Davidson could end up retrieving multiple assets in return for the 40-plus goal scorer that could fast-forward their rebuild similarly to the New York Rangers a few years ago.

According to Friedman, "it would have to be a huge offer." Although the Islanders don't Islanders' have a ton of assets, they could offer up something Chicago may consider. The Blackhawks don't currently own a first-round pick as part of the Seth Jones trade, so right away the Islanders 13th overall pick has to be in play. Add Oliver Wahlstrom, a young NHLer that can be on the roster now and for the foreseeable future, and Aatu Räty, a prospect who continues to prove he should have been drafted in the first round, could be enough for Davidson to pull the trigger.

DeBrincat is the kind of scorer you pay that kind of price for. He's a two-time 41-goal scorer and he scored 32 goals in 52 games during the 2020-21 season. If the Blackhawks are selling his services, the Islanders should definitely pursue one of the best snipers in the NHL and pursue him hard. Like Fiala, he not only would be a perfect fit with the core of the Islanders as a 24-year-old, but he also helps extend the Islanders' "win-now" window a little longer. He's exactly the kind of winger the Islanders have been looking for to play on Mathew Barzal's wing and would absolutely be a long-term solution to the Isles scoring problems.