Young Senators star appears to take a bit of a shot at Alex DeBrincat

PUBLICATION

Mike Armenti
September 9, 2023 (11:15)

SHARE THIS STORY

When the Ottawa Senators had acquired Alex DeBrincat from the Chicago Blackhawks in the summer of 2022, they were looked at as a team to watch in 2022-23. The playoff aspirations were clear, but fate had other plans for the Sens.

After finishing 21st in the overall league standings and 6th in the Atlantic Division, the Senators found themselves in a problematic spot with DeBrincat, who did not wish to sign an extension in Ottawa. Forcing the Sens' hand, DeBrincat was traded to the Detroit Red Wings this summer, where he inked a multi-year extension worth $7.875M per season.

The Senators have largely remained fairly quiet about the trade, but this week, Tim Stutzle broke his silence during an interview with Sportsnet's Elliotte Friedman on his podcast, 32 Thoughts. Here's what he had to say:

"I mean, I don't think you can really I mean, DeBrincat to stay. It's his choice. You can say whatever you want. If he doesn't want to be there, then I don't want to make him have to be there. You know, like, It's fine to us. I think the whole group, we've been saying it. We want him to stay. We want him to be apart of this group. And he's a great guy, great player." Stutzle said.

Stutzle went on to add, "But in the end, if you don't want to be there then good luck on your way."

Following the trade, it left the Sens with a massive hole on the wing. Thankfully, they were able to plug that hole by signing free agent sniper Vladimir Tarasenko, who won a Stanley Cup with the St. Louis Blues back in 2019.

For Stutzle and the Sens, the focus will not be on the past, but on the upcoming season and the future beyond it. The goal this season remains the same as the goal last season - to make the playoffs.