Rebuilds have a way of forcing difficult decisions, and Vancouver may be approaching one of its biggest. A productive veteran winger with term left on his contract is generating trade interest as the organization evaluates its long-term direction.
Several teams have been linked to the situation, but one destination keeps resurfacing for reasons that go deeper than a typical trade fit. This connection has helped fuel fresh speculation involving the Edmonton Oilers.
Jake DeBrusk Trade Buzz Grows as Oilers Monitor Canucks Winger
Jake DeBrusk has emerged as one of the most discussed names on the trade market as the Vancouver Canucks evaluate options during their rebuilding phase.
The 29-year-old winger is entering the third season of a 7-year, $38.5 million contract carrying a $5.5 million cap hit, and multiple insiders believe a move could happen before the start of the 2026-27 season.
According to NHL insider David Pagnotta of The Fourth Period, Vancouver is actively attempting to find a new destination for DeBrusk. Pagnotta reported, “DeBrusk has made it clear he does not want to endure a rebuild and the Canucks are trying to find him a new home.”
He added that despite holding a full no-movement clause, the expectation around the league is that DeBrusk “will be moved at some point this off-season.”
Pagnotta also identified Edmonton among the teams linked to the winger, alongside Columbus, Ottawa, Winnipeg, and Seattle. This connection has only fueled speculation because DeBrusk’s situation aligns with several of Edmonton’s offseason priorities.
Another voice, Frank Seravalli, recently echoed the possibility of an Oilers fit during an appearance on Canucks Central. Discussing potential destinations, Seravalli said, “We’ve heard some speculation about Ottawa, I would think maybe, to a lesser extent, Edmonton might make sense; tell me which team can’t use a 25-goal scorer on their wing making south of $6 million.”
From Edmonton’s perspective, the appeal is straightforward. DeBrusk produced 23 goals and 42 points in 81 games last season despite playing on a struggling Vancouver team.
He also led the NHL with 121 high-danger shots on goal, highlighting the type of net-front presence the Oilers value alongside elite playmakers such as Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl.
The personal connection adds another context.
DeBrusk grew up in Edmonton, and his father, Louie DeBrusk, remains closely associated with the organization through his role as a Sportsnet analyst. Because the winger controls his destination through a full no-movement clause, any potential deal would require his approval, making a return home easier to envision.
Financially, Edmonton appears capable of making it work. The Oilers currently project to have $14.59 million in available cap space, meaning DeBrusk’s $5.5 million cap hit could fit without salary retention. However, adding him would reduce flexibility and could force additional roster adjustments.
ALSO READ: Oilers Duo’s Agent Makes Opinion Crystal Clear on Mike Babcock as Head Coach
For now, Vancouver is listening, Edmonton remains linked, and DeBrusk continues to look like one of the most intriguing trade candidates of the offseason.
You say DeBrusk controls where he goes because he has a no move clause. That is only true is he does not care if he is moved or kept for the rebuild. He has said he does not want to stay, so he loses some leverage. Vancouver could just say we will not trade him unless he accepts a trade to somewhere where the return is good. He may prefer Edmonton but if say Ottawa offered a clearly better return and he refuses to go, he is under contract to play in Vancouver, he stays until a better offer surfaces from his preferred team. That may not occur for sometime if at all. That said, he has limited say on where he goes.