For context, DeBrincat was a 2x 40 goal scorer, age 23, and under contract for one more season before becoming a RFA (with arb rights) when he was traded for 7OA, 39OA, and a 3rd in 2024. The Islanders traded 13OA for Alex Romanov and pick 98. Romanov is a defenseman and was 22 when he was traded last summer.
I need to sharpen my pencil a bit to go over more options but a name I’d personally be interested in Nic Ehlers from Winnipeg. He’s 27, under cost control for two more years after this season at $6M/year, has scored 20+ goals every season since his sophomore year in 2016-17 (even during the shortened Covid season), and has speed to burn. He’s not the best defensively but he is dynamic offensively and has really strong underlying numbers. His coach this year is a moron and he was hurt to start the season but he’s still pacing for 21 goals on a team that can’t score despite playing on the third line because Paul Maurice sucks at his job.