Jake DeBrusk Represents Interesting Trade Gamble for Contender

Jake DeBrusk’s name is beginning to surface in NHL trade speculation as the Vancouver Canucks continue to struggle and are potentially staring in the face of a retool/rebuild. While names like Kiefer Sherwood and Evander Kane draw most of the attention, DeBrusk is an intriguing option for a contending team that might want to take a chance on a productive forward who is locked into a longer contract.

---

In his second season with the Canucks, DeBrusk is trending in the wrong direction. The drama in Vancouver is likely a factor, and recent trades and changes have only made turning things around more of a challenge.

DeBrusk Might Be Better Off Elsewhere

The 29-year-old forward endured a rough stretch with just one goal in 17 games and was even a healthy scratch earlier this week against the Seattle Kraken — a notable development that has analysts wondering about his future. Vancouver has made it clear it’s willing to listen on veteran pieces in trade discussions, with other reports suggesting that no one is really off limits.

Following the Quinn Hughes trade, DeBrusk should be squarely on the radar of many insiders watching the moves coming out of Vancouver and despite a down season, there’s a lot to like about this player.

He scored a career-high 28 goals last season and has a proven playoff résumé, tallying 27 goals in 86 postseason games with the Boston Bruins. For a team with cap room and willing to take on a player with term, he represents an interesting gamble.

DeBrusk is the kind of player who responds under pressure. He’s arguably got a bit of a chip on his shoulder, which could be an attractive quality. He responded after returning to the lineup with a three-point performance Friday and fired 12 shots over two games. When challenged, he’s got fire that several teams need in crunch time.

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 looking to be flexible. This is not a team that only takes on prospects and draft picks. Player trades are on their radar, and that means potentially being open to taking on salary.

DeBrusk is anything but a short-term gamble. That said, making a trade for him could pay off over multiple playoff runs. For teams chasing a Cup, he’s a call worth making.

Next: Oilers Deadline Idea: Old Team Could Change Henrique’s Trade Stance