Report: Senators file for arbitration with DeBrincat

The Ottawa Senators opted to take restricted free-agent forward Alex DeBrincat to arbitration, sources told Postmedia's Bruce Garrioch.

The deadline for the first window of club-elected arbitration is Thursday at 5 p.m. DeBrincat is not interested in signing an extension with the Senators, according to Garrioch, and the franchise is reportedly exploring the trade market for the two-time 40-goal scorer.

DeBrincat had a base salary of $9 million last season. Players cannot be awarded less than 85% of their previous salary in the first window of arbitration, according to Cap Friendly, meaning the Senators could get a slight discount next season if a trade doesn't materialize.

A one-year deal for DeBrincat in arbitration would send him to unrestricted free agency in 2024.

Ottawa acquired DeBrincat from the Chicago Blackhawks at the 2022 draft for a first-, second-, and third-round pick. The 25-year-old produced 27 goals and 39 assists while averaging 19 minutes per contest during his debut season in Canada's capital.

The Senators are projected to hold just over $17 million in cap space this summer but only have 11 player signed to the active roster.