While the pieces individually are decent, I don't see them being of much interest for Ottawa. They already have 5 D-man as good or better than Boqvist, and given that they want to take the next step forward futures are also a bit ?? in terms of their plans. Ideally, I think they'd want to swap Cat for a player ready to take a role in NHL. Deal involving Marchenko and Robinson is probably the most ideal in that regard. I think they'd agree to a Marchenko+Robinson+2023 2nd for DeBrincat+something trade.

Also, not convinced DeBrincat would agree to that sort of contract. Just by comparing the trend of recent signings that AAV falls too short, by $1,5-2M bucks.

Thinking Laine, who hasn’t been responsible defensively since he picked up a hockey stick, is suddenly going to be positionally sound, defensively responsible and willing back and forechecker as center under a technical demanding coach like Babcock is definitely a choice

Maybe the OP thinks if he's given no choice he's going to have to adapt.

I think if Laine, gives it his all at C, he will be no better than Quinton Byfield is now. CBJ will probably be in the running for 1st OV again.

Gotta get real with that contract. If Cat signs at 7 mil aav I'll **** bricks

Yeah sorry Detroit beats that offer easily, And DeBrincat isn't taking anything less than 8 x $8,000,000 to 8 x $8,500,000 and that's probably in Detroit 8 x $9,000,000 elsewhere per Friedman and LeBrun.

Laine played center the last few games of the season last year. He is practicing face offs this off-season. He actually was very solid in the games he played center defensively. I wouldn’t count on him playing center full time but I expect him to get some ice time there this season

Laine discussed the move to C last year. They were set to try it out but he got injured. I think him trying to transition to C played a huge role in why he didn’t play for Finland this year. As far as Debrincat goes, I really don’t think the Jackets are interested in him, just having some fun with rationale. Value wise it is on par with what Ottawa could receive.