MAJOR | Two young star have formally put in their trade requests

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Felip Gosselin
June 7, 2023 (8:59 PM)

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Pierre Lebrun confirmed major rumors today in regard to 2 of the upcoming restricted free agent heading into this year's free agency.

Dubois officially done in Winnipeg

The renowned Insider confirmed that the Jets' centerman, Pierre-Luc Dubois, and his agent Pat Brisson, called for a meeting with Winnipeg's upper management, stating they wouldn't consider a one-year bridge deal. Pierre Lebrun reported the following:

''Pierre-Luc Dubois and his camp informed the Jets a year ago that they weren't inclined to sign long-term, and now my understanding is that veteran agent Pat Brisson has let Winnipeg know that it's probably best to move on this summer rather than do a one-year deal with the restricted free agent and stretch this out further.''

Dubois, a 25-year-old centerman, will be a free agent with complete autonomy starting next summer. A two-way power forward who plays down the middle is a very special player, and teams will surely line up about the potential acquisition costs. Dubois managed a career-high 27 goals and 63 points in only 73 games.

Debrincat gives his three preferred destination

The Senators paid a hefty price to acquire the scoring winger Alex Debrincat from the BlackHawks, and now, everything points toward that relationship nearing its end. Debrincat registered good numbers in his first and perhaps last season in Ottawa (27G, 39A, 66 points in 82 outings). However, there seems to be discord between the two negotiating parties, and the fact that the Sens' sale has gone through has kept Debrincat from wanting to re-sign. Here's what Lebrun reported on the subject:

''...Alex Debrincat's camp, led by agent Jeff Jackson, has given Senators GM Pierre Dorion a shortlist of preferred destinations in case Ottawa decides to go the trade route with the pending RFA winger.''

Keep in mind Dorion has full control over what he does next regarding Debrincat, but sending him to a team where he wishes to be might help maximize the return. Similar to what Matthew Tkachuk had done with Brad Treliving last year. While he hasn't given the Sens an ultimatum like Dubois, Lebrun believes the safe play here is to trade him over the summer.

Having two young guns on the trade block heading into the summer sets us up for quite the excitement. Last year, Matthew Tkachuk's trade highlighted the free agency when Calgary and Florida matched for a blockbuster trade. Are we about to witness another one this summer?

The Athletic