Vancouver Canucks forward Jake DeBrusk. Bob Frid-Imagn Images

A big-money forward is suddenly being linked to the Oilers

Originally posted on NHL Trade Talk | Last updated Jan 7, 2026 6:07 PM ET

According to Rick Dhaliwal, there are rumors linking the Edmonton Oilers and the Vancouver Canucks in a trade involving Jake DeBrusk. The analyst and podcast host said he’s heard the name this week in trade speculation, but he doesn’t see it as a fit.

“There are rumors out there about DeBrusk and the Oilers, but Donnie, I was told, the Oilers and DeBrusk maybe in the summer. His hometown. I was told maybe in the summer, but it’s tough to get… he’s got a no-move too.” He added, “I don’t get the sense that DeBrusk wants out.”

Oilers kicking tires on Jake DeBrusk?

It’s an interesting update that seems to hint there has been some tire-kicking on the part of the Oilers here. While not confirmed, it certainly would make sense that Edmonton would look at an Edmonton-born winger with a history of solid production who is locked in long-term at a reasonable rate. DeBrusk is not a discount, but his $5.5 million cap hit isn’t an albatross deal.

The question worth asking is: Does DeBrusk not want to leave the Canucks because he likes Vancouver and wants to stay? Or, is he not interested in Edmonton and playing in his hometown? The latter doesn’t always work for players who feel pressure in front of family and friends.

One would think the idea of playing for a contender and being offered a spot on a line with Leon Draisaitl for the next few seasons would be appealing. He’s the kind of player the Oilers have been gun-shy about spending money on because they’ve been too busy investing less on wingers that once had production, but seem to have declined. DeBrusk is 29, has scored 25-plus goals in three of his last four seasons and almost reached 20 in a down year.

The Oilers could use his game, and if the Canucks are willing to take on someone like Andrew Mangiapane and other pieces to make that deal, it would be worth it for the Oilers.

However, in the summer, it would be intriguing to see what a trade like this would look like, given that Mangiapane and some of the other assets who are currently in the Oilers system won’t be here as they approach the trade deadline and make their push for the postseason.

This article first appeared on NHL Trade Talk and was syndicated with permission.

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