Connect with us

Boston Bruins

Oilers Have Window of Opportunity to Land Jake DeBrusk

Allan Mitchell of The Athletic notes that there might be an opportunity to acquire Jake Debrusk from the Boston Bruins.

According to Allan Mitchell of the Athletic (subscription required), the Edmonton Oilers could have an opportunity to land an impact forward this offseason. That forward would be Jake DeBrusk from the Boston Bruins.

Mitchell took a look at a number of trade possibilities for general manager Ken Holland, saying for Holland it was all about how much he wanted to improve the team over this past season’s performance.

Mitchell writes:

Holland had the Oilers in the playoffs when the regular season ended, second place in the Pacific Division. Adding a goalie like Kuemper would seem the most prudent move, although the DeBrusk trade could pay off handsomely for years to come.

Notice DeBrusk’s name there. He was someone Mitchell talked about extensively in this article.

It’s common knowledge by now that the Oilers are looking for a strong goaltending tandem. The GM has told anyone who will listen that he believes the NHL is a two-goalie league and that he liked the way the Oilers tandem worked together. The question is just about whether or not Mikko Koskinen and Mike Smith are the right fit going forward. That’s why there’s speculation out there that Holland might be looking at players like Matt Murray, Frederik Andersen and Kuemper (as Mitchell mentioned above).

But, the Oilers also need help at forward and DeBrusk has a ton of redeeming qualities. Holland is probably hoping he can land a top-six forward to play alongside Connor McDavid, but at the same time, not break the bank to acquire that piece.

If a window of opportunity has opened because of the sticky situation the Boston Bruins find themselves in, it might be time to make a phone call.

Related: [Report]: Tuukka Rask Has Lost Interest in Continuing Hockey Career

Why DeBrusk Works in Edmonton, Not Necessarily in Boston

Mitchell cites a fellow Athletic writer in Fluto Shinzawa who detailed the Bruins organizational debates regarding DeBrusk. He’s a restricted free agent, there’s word he’s not interested in taking a hometown discount and there’s not a lot of room to sign him on a team that has some big decisions and key players up for renewal.

So too, the Bruins might be getting frustrated, not only with DeBrusk’s decision not to be flexible on a new deal, but his drop in production this past season. DeBrusk said when talking to Boston media he believes, even three years into his playing career, he’s not scratched the surface of what he can do. Still, might not be too sure which version of DeBrusk they’d be committing to long-term.

Mitchell suggests that if the Oilers believe DeBrusk’s poorer 2019-20 campaign is merely a blip on his resume, he could be an attractive option for the McDavid line. Noting he’s a volume shooter (9.41 shots per 60 at five-on-five) and has had success as a scorer, he’s the type of player McDavid might really bump into the next stratosphere in terms of production.

All that said, this might not be the easiest deal to pull off. Making the trade is one thing since the Oilers could offer draft picks or prospects, including the first-round selection in 2020. It’s getting a deal done after the trade that poses another issue.

DeBrusk would need a new contract, and it might cost more than $5 million per season to get it done. The flat cap might help the Oilers, but not a whole lot if DeBrusk is keen on making his money this offseason as opposed to waiting.

Next: 5 Possible Trade Destinations For Canadiens Max Domi

Click to comment

Leave a Reply

More News

Discover more from NHL Trade Talk

Subscribe now to keep reading and get access to the full archive.

Continue reading