Jake DeBrusk’s name is starting to surface in NHL trade speculation as the Vancouver Canucks continue to struggle and potentially face a reorganization/rebuild. While names like Kiefer Sherwood and Evander Kane are drawing most of the attention, DeBrusk is an intriguing option for a contending team that may want to take a chance on a productive forward locked into a longer contract.
In his second season with the Canucks, DeBrusk is heading in the wrong direction. The drama in Vancouver is likely a factor, and recent transactions and changes have only made turning things around more challenging.
DeBrusk might be better off elsewhere
The 29-year-old forward has been going through a rough patch with just one goal in 17 games and even made a healthy scratch against the Seattle Kraken earlier this week – a remarkable development that has analysts wondering about his future. Vancouver has made it clear it is willing to listen to experienced pieces in trade negotiations, while other reports suggest no one is really off limits.
Following the Quinn Hughes trade, DeBrusk should clearly be on the radar of many insiders following Vancouver’s moves and despite a down season, there is a lot to like about this player.
He scored a career-high 28 goals last season and has a proven resume in the playoffs, with 27 goals in 86 postseason games with the Boston Bruins. For a team with cap room and willing to take a player with term, he represents an interesting gamble.
DeBrusk is the kind of player who responds under pressure. He probably has a little chip on his shoulder, which could be an attractive trait. He responded Friday after returning to the lineup with a three-point performance, firing 12 shots in two games. When challenged, he has the fire that several teams need at critical times.
This is too good a player to be unproductive forever.
DeBrusk is worth the risk for a handful of teams
His $5.5 million cap hit is manageable for most contenders, especially with the salary cap expected to rise and the Canucks appear to be flexible. This isn’t a team that only takes prospects and draft picks. Player transactions are on their radar, and that means they may be open to a salary.
DeBrusk is anything but a short-term gamble. That said, a trade for him could pay off over multiple playoff runs. For teams chasing a Cup, he’s a call worth making.
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