Blackhawks trade DeBrincat to Senators before NHL draft

By STEPHEN WHYNO
AP Hockey Writer

MONTREAL (AP) — Player moves are happening fast and furious in the NHL leading up to the start of the draft in Montreal. The Chicago Blackhawks made the biggest trade so far by sending winger Alex DeBrincat to the Ottawa Senators for the seventh and 39th pick this year and a third-rounder in 2024. The Stanley Cup-winning Colorado Avalanche also acquired goaltender Alexandar Georgiev from the New York Rangers for three draft picks. The Pittsburgh Penguins also signed veteran defenseman Kris Letang to a $36.6 million, six-year contract that carries a $6.1 million annual salary cap hit. Colorado gave up third- and fifth-round picks this year and a third-rounder next year for Georgiev. The move seems to spell the end of playoff starting goalie Darcy Kuemper’s time with the Avalanche.