The Edmonton Oilers may not be done making headlines this offseason. Before the Oilers pulled off the ultimate escape act by trading away Darnell Nurse’s massive $9.25 million annual contract to San Jose with zero salary retained, General Manager Stan Bowman was already looking to add another top-six scorer, with one Vancouver Canucks forward reportedly on Edmonton’s radar.
Oilers Interest in $38.5M Canucks Star Still Going Strong
Vancouver Canucks winger Jake DeBrusk has emerged as one of the names linked to Edmonton in recent months. DeBrusk is entering the third season of the seven-year, $38.5 million contract he signed with Vancouver, carrying an annual cap hit of $5.5 million.
Recent reports have linked the 29-year-old to several teams after he made it clear he would prefer not to remain with the Canucks if the club enters a lengthy rebuild. Despite holding a full no-movement clause, DeBrusk is reportedly open to joining a Stanley Cup contender, making Edmonton a logical destination.
NHL insider David Pagnotta recently revealed that the Oilers have already checked in on the situation. “I know Edmonton circled back at some point. I’m not sure where those conversations have gone just yet,” Pagnotta reported.
From a hockey standpoint, the fit is easy to see.
DeBrusk led the Canucks with 23 goals last season and has consistently shown he can produce at a top-six level. His speed would complement Connor McDavid’s up-tempo style, while his willingness to battle around the net could make him an effective linemate for Leon Draisaitl.
Unlike a short-term rental, DeBrusk is signed for several more seasons, giving Edmonton cost certainty and a proven scorer through the prime years of his career.
Post-Nurse Cap Freedom Changes the Game
The Oilers’ financial outlook changed dramatically after the Nurse trade.
Moving the veteran defenseman’s full $9.25 million cap hit without retaining salary gave Bowman the flexibility he had been searching for. Even after adding several free agents and re-signing key players, Edmonton still has roughly $7.25 million in available cap space.
That means the Oilers are no longer limited to bargain signings. If Bowman decides DeBrusk is the right fit, Edmonton now has the financial flexibility to absorb his contract.
The challenge, however, is that the Oilers are far from the only interested team.
The Winnipeg Jets, Ottawa Senators, and Columbus Blue Jackets have also been linked to DeBrusk, setting up what could become a competitive market if Vancouver decides to move him.
Whether the Oilers ultimately make a formal push remains to be seen, but one thing is clear. After escaping their salary cap crunch, Bowman has positioned Edmonton to be far more aggressive in pursuing impact players than they could have been just a few weeks ago.
