The Senators acquired DeBrincat, 24, from the Chicago Blackhawks in a trade Thursday just hours before the start of the NHL draft. Senators general manager Pierre Dorion gave up three draft picks in the deal, including Ottawa’s first (No. 7) and second-round picks (No. 39) this year and a third-round pick in 2024. DeBrincat admitted Friday that he was caught off guard when he first learned of the trade. “I’ve seen some rumors and stuff, but until it actually happens it doesn’t really hit you,” he told reporters on a conference call. “So I was definitely shocked, but I’m really excited to be a part of this team.” The Senators, who finished the season 26th overall at 33-42-7, had been projected to take a step toward playoff contention and were disappointed to find themselves near the bottom of the standings again. Before last season’s trade deadline, Dorion said, “It’s no secret for us to get to the next level, we need another top-six forward and a top-four defenseman, but those don’t just grow on trees.” In DeBrincat, who had 78 points in 82 games this season, he has a solid top-six forward. The young winger joins an impressive group of forwards that includes Brady Tkachuk, Josh Norris, Tim Stutzle and Drake Batherson. Drafted by Chicago in the second round (39th overall) of the 2016 NHL Draft, DeBrincat quelled the naysayers who questioned his size. Listed at five-foot-seven and 165 pounds, DeBrincat had a career-high 78 points (41-37) last season. It was the second time he reached 40 goals in his five-year NHL career. A natural right-handed shot, DeBrincat also gives the Senators versatility as he can play on both wings. He has one year left on his $6.4 million cap hit contract. The Senators can begin negotiating a new deal as early as July 13, when free agency opens, but DeBrincat said he hasn’t given it much thought yet. The Farmington Hills, Mich., native said he was getting ready to join Chicago’s rebuild and take on more of a leadership role. With 368 career games played, he will be one of the most experienced players on the Senators’ young roster. “Obviously over the years in Chicago my leadership grew as we got younger and younger,” he said. “I think that’s been a big step that I’ve taken these last two years and hopefully I can bring that same attitude and leadership to Ottawa.” Tkachuk and Thomas Chabot sent welcome messages to DeBrincat, and he said he’s excited to get to know his new teammates better. He will continue to wear No. 12 after forward Shane Pinto texted him on Friday offering to have the number. DeBrincat’s older brother Andrew played in Ottawa during the 2012-13 season with the Nepean Raiders and Cumberland Grads of the Central Canada Hockey League.
