Trade Candidates Emerging in Jake DeBrusk Deadline Frenzy

Beyond the numbers, he also brings playoff experience and the ability to perform when the pressure is on. That may be appealing to teams looking for a winger that doesn’t shy away from physical play and the spotlight.

A Change of Scenery Could Be Key

Sometimes, a player and a club simply hit a wall together. For DeBrusk, perhaps a new opportunity with a rebuild or retooling club where expectations are reset could be exactly what he needs to take his game to another level of consistency.

A rebuild or retooling club needs the services of a player like DeBrusk, who is in his prime and has the ability to contribute to the club while mentoring younger forwards.

With term remaining on his deal, any club that acquires DeBrusk will know exactly what they are getting in terms of salary cap implications—a luxury in today’s cap-constrained NHL.

The big question for the Canucks is whether they are looking to the future, roster pieces, or making a hockey trade that addresses their immediate needs.

Potential Suitors

Several teams could make sense, depending on their direction.

The Edmonton Oilers are a team that clearly stands out. DeBrusk is born in Edmonton, and his father, Louie DeBrusk, is a former Oilers player and current broadcaster. The local connection is an attractive one, and Edmonton certainly needs depth in their second line scoring.

The Minnesota Wild are another team that might be in the running. The Wild have been looking to stabilize their second line scoring, and DeBrusk’s speed on the wing would be a welcome addition. The length of his contract is consistent with a team that is trying to tread water while giving young players a chance to develop.

The Detroit Red Wings are another team that makes sense. The Red Wings are a team that is trying to balance development with a push for the playoffs. A winger who can provide 25-30 goals would be a great addition to their young core.

The Seattle Kraken are another team that has been mentioned in connection with scoring wingers in the past. The Kraken value speed and two-way play, both of which DeBrusk provides on a nightly basis. With plenty of cap space available, they would be able to absorb DeBrusk’s contract.

Final Thoughts

Jake DeBrusk may not be a franchise-changer type of name, but he is the type of player who can definitely make an impact on the team’s depth chart. As the trade deadline draws near, the Canucks’ phones will continue to ring to inquire about the services of the aforementioned player.

Regardless of whether he stays or goes and agrees to the trade, the coming weeks may well prove to be the beginning of the next chapter in Jake DeBrusk’s career. In an environment where timing and fit are everything in the NHL, DeBrusk may simply need to find the right environment to rediscover the type of consistency that made him one of the more intriguing players in the league.