9 teams who could trade for Vancouver Canucks' Jake DeBrusk this summer
He’s the most likely Vancouver Canucks player to be traded this offseason.
As outlets put together their offseason trade boards, Jake DeBrusk is the one Canucks player who’s popped up with the most frequency.
Elias Pettersson’s name has also appeared regularly on trade boards. However, most Canucks fans have assuredly accepted that a Petterson trade probably won’t happen.
DeBrusk, however, is a different story.
Despite some struggles in Vancouver, DeBrusk has led all Canucks skaters with 51 goals over the past two seasons. He’s also been one of the NHL’s most lethal power play producers during that stretch, with his 33 power play goals over the last two years ranking second in the NHL, behind only Wyatt Johnston.
Not bad, considering his cap hit is only $5.5 million.
Although DeBrusk has five years left on his deal and a no-move clause, you could see him being open to a change of scenery. The soon-to-be 30-year-old didn’t sign long-term in Vancouver to be part of a full-blown rebuild.
If he does get traded this offseason, here are nine potential fits from around the NHL.
1. Edmonton Oilers
If DeBrusk had his choice of destination (which, theoretically, he does with a full no-move clause), you’d think the Edmonton Oilers would be near the top of his list.
Not only was DeBrusk born in Edmonton, but his dad, Louie, is colour commentator on Oilers broadcasts for Sportsnet.
Edmonton could clearly use another top-six winger, although it’s fair to question if they could fully utilize DeBrusk’s power play abilities. Zach Hyman holds the DeBrusk role on Edmonton’s power play, and he’s done a marvelous job there since joining the Oilers.
2. Dallas Stars
The Dallas Stars took a step back this season after bowing out in Round One against the Minnesota Wild. Dallas could use another top-six left winger, with career bottom-sixer Sam Steel occupying the second-line left wing spot for most of the playoffs.
Perhaps Vancouver could juice their return in a potential DeBrusk-to-Dallas trade by taking on the $3.25 million contract of defenceman Ilya Lyubushkin.
3. Colorado Avalanche
The fit for DeBrusk in Colorado is clear.
Despite having Nathan MacKinnon and Cale Makar on their roster, the Colorado Avalanche’s power play was pitiful this season. Their 17 per cent efficiency ranked 27th overall in the NHL, while their 25th-ranked expected goals-for percentage suggested their subpar power play wasn’t just a fluke.
That’s something DeBrusk could clearly help with, but fitting his contract under the cap could be an issue. The Avs have just $2.9 million in cap space, meaning they’d have to move some money out to make a DeBrusk trade happen.
4. Ottawa Senators
If DeBrusk sees the Ottawa Senators as a team on the rise, could he consider waiving his no-movement clause to join them?
The Senators have a clear hole at left wing, with Warren Foegele and 38-year-old Claude Giroux occupying top-six LW spots during the postseason.
Ottawa has over $16 million in cap space, with Jordan Spence being their most prominent free agent to sign.
5. Buffalo Sabres
The Buffalo Sabres finally ended their 15-year playoff drought this season. Considering they’re one of the youngest teams in the NHL, it seems like their Cup window could be opening.
Buffalo will be hard-pressed to re-sign Alex Tuch this summer. If they don’t, DeBrusk could be a viable replacement in the top-six.
Could the Canucks pry Liam Ohgren and Jonathan Lekkerimäki’s junior linemate, Noah Ostlund, out of Buffalo? The Canucks may have to add an extra draft pick to make that happen, but that’s an intriguing trade option for Vancouver.
6. Detroit Red Wings
The NHL’s longest playoff drought now belongs to the Detroit Red Wings, thanks to the Sabres making the postseason in 2026.
Detroit has shown a willingness over the last couple of seasons to add veterans to their team. They also have over $29 million in cap space this offseason, with Simon Edvinsson being their key free agent to re-sign.
7. Columbus Blue Jackets
The Columbus Blue Jackets are another young team trying to get over the hump, and there’s a potential fit for DeBrusk to join them.
Columbus’ two-highest-paid forwards, Charlie Coyle and Conor Garland, are both former teammates of DeBrusk. They were also bottom-10 in expected goals-for at five-on-four. DeBrusk could elevate their power play.
8. New York Islanders
Although the New York Islanders were firmly entrenched in the Eastern Conference’s mushy middle, there’s reason to believe they could soon get over the hump.
The Isles have talent up front, a potentially generational defenceman in Matthew Schaefer, along with one of the league’s best goalies in Ilya Sorokin.
Over the past two seasons, New York has had the NHL’s worst power play, clicking at just 14.5 per cent.
Vancouver could potentially enhance this trade by taking on the contract of 35-year-old Ondrej Palat, who has one year left on his deal, paying him $6 million. DeBrusk could also be a replacement for Anders Lee if the longtime Isles captain doesn’t re-sign with the team.
9. Washington Capitals
Even if Alex Ovechkin does return for a 22nd NHL season, the Washington Capitals could still use some power play help and left wing depth.
Their power play was mid in terms of chance creation in 2025-26, and ranked 25th in the league at 17.8 per cent.
Even with Ovechkin’s retirement on the horizon, the Capitals still have enough talent to reasonably compete for the playoffs. However, they could use a scoring punch to get over the hump.