The Edmonton Oilers are expected to be one of the NHL’s busiest teams this offseason. After a disappointing first-round playoff exit to the Anaheim Ducks, general manager Stan Bowman has already shaken things up behind the bench with the additions of Mike Babcock and D.J. Smith.
Now, attention is shifting to the roster, and one NHL insider believes a $38.5 million forward could emerge as a potential trade target for Edmonton.
Oilers Connected to $38.5M Trade Target
Vancouver Canucks winger Jake DeBrusk is the player drawing attention in Edmonton. DeBrusk has five years remaining on his seven-year, $38.5 million contract and could become one of the more intriguing names available this summer.
The speculation stems largely from Vancouver’s direction. After a disappointing season that resulted in organizational changes and left the Canucks near the bottom of the standings, the franchise appears headed toward a significant roster reset.
According to NHL insiders, DeBrusk has little interest in spending the next several years as part of a lengthy rebuild and would prefer to play for a team with legitimate playoff aspirations.
That possibility gained traction when NHL insider Rick Dhaliwal revealed that DeBrusk’s name has been circulating in trade discussions around the league. “One team told me last night that they have heard Elias Pettersson, Brock Boeser and Jake Debrusk’s names on the trade market, but they have not heard Filip Hronek’s name. Now that could change any minute,” Dhaliwal reported.
Whether Vancouver is actively shopping DeBrusk or simply listening to inquiries remains unclear, but his value around the league is easy to understand.
The veteran winger led the Canucks with 23 goals and 42 points last season after posting a career-high 28 goals the year before. His combination of speed, forechecking ability, and willingness to battle around the crease makes him a valuable top-six option for any contender.
For Edmonton, the fit appears obvious.
DeBrusk’s elite foot speed allows him to easily keep up with Connor McDavid’s transitional pace, while his relentless net-front presence makes him an ideal, space-creating trigger-man for Leon Draisaitl.
There is one significant hurdle, however.
DeBrusk holds a full no-movement clause, giving him control over where he plays next. However, reports suggest he’d be willing to waive it for a legitimate Stanley Cup contender, making the Oilers an intriguing fit.
The Oilers remain one of the NHL’s premier win-now teams, and if Bowman is serious about reshaping the roster this summer, DeBrusk could be exactly the type of proven top-six winger the organization is looking to add.
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As trade rumors continue to swirl around Vancouver’s roster, Edmonton will be a team worth watching if DeBrusk’s name remains on the market.
