Jake DeBrusk to the Senators Seems Like a Perfect Move

Jake DeBrusk to the Ottawa Senators actually makes a ton of sense. And that’s not just because he’s been popping goals for the Vancouver Canucks even when the rest of that team hasn’t. DeBrusk’s the classic complementary scorer. He’s great at net-front work, has awesome hands on tips and rebounds, and is a real weapon on the power play.

He’s not your puck-driving, possession-driving guy, but he’s a finisher. Teams that already have playmakers and need someone to clean up in front of the net would drool over him. And Ottawa fits that bill.

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What Ottawa Is Missing Sits in Plain Sight

Think about the Senators’ roster right now. They’ve got skill up the middle and a bunch of young guys who can move pucks. What they’ve lacked is a reliable net-front threat who can bury special teams chances and finish around the crease in traffic.

DeBrusk does exactly that. He scored 51 goals across the last two seasons playing on a team that was, frankly, a mess. That production from a 29-year-old with term and a reasonable cap hit is valuable, especially in a shallow UFA market where pure goal scorers are hard to find.

Why Vancouver Would Even Consider Moving Him

From Vancouver’s side, the logic to move him is solid, too. The Canucks have lots of players under contract while they’re trying to reshape the roster, and DeBrusk’s seven-year deal at $5.5M carries five years left. That’s not impossible to move, but he’s not a fit for a rebuild that needs speed and youth.

If the Canucks are serious about adding true rebuild assets or clearing space to chase different types of veterans, DeBrusk is the kind of name that could fetch a solid return. Teams know what he gives them. He brings with him power-play goals and dirty-area finishes. He was third in the NHL in power-play goals last year. That’s money in the bank.

The Fit, the Friction, and the Reality

There are some practical wrinkles. His modified NMC, term, and salary matter. But they’re surmountable for a team like Ottawa that’s playoff-ready and wants more finishers. As well, DeBrusk has admitted he’s not the ideal fit for a full rebuild, which makes a move more plausible.

For Ottawa, this isn’t about flipping the whole lineup. It’s about adding a piece that actually changes how you score in tight games and on the PP. In return, the Canucks get younger.

The Bottom Line for the Canucks

DeBrusk isn’t a franchise driver, but he’s a high-value complementary sniper. If he went to the Senators, Ottawa would get a real upgrade in goal-scoring and power-play presence. Vancouver would get the flexibility to rebuild the roster. As the Senators work to take the next step, a move for DeBrusk checks a lot of boxes.

Related: Desperate Playoff Team Out East Pushing For Jake DeBrusk Trade