yardbarker
Jake DeBrusk's name surfaced on Chris Johnston's latest trade board, and the NHL insider suggested that the Vancouver Canucks forward might be inclined to cooperate with the team on a trade during the current campaign. According to Johnston, DeBrusk controls the situation due to his contract, and if he accommodates Vancouver now, he retains the ability to select where he goes.
DeBrusk does not fit the profile of the rebuilding direction the Canucks are pursuing. He is a strong skater with a scoring touch, having reached the 20-goal mark five times in his NHL career.
This season is the last in which DeBrusk's contract carries a full no-movement clause, meaning it is his final opportunity to exercise complete authority over his destination in a trade. The Canucks are clearly positioned as sellers, and DeBrusk's contract becomes more appealing as salaries across the league continue to rise.
After this season, DeBrusk's full no-trade clause will transform into a 15-team no-trade list. That means Vancouver could trade him to half the league without his consent—a scenario that is less than ideal if DeBrusk hopes to choose his next team.
Key Analysis
As star players like Dylan Larkin and Connor Hellebuyck attempt to dictate their trade destinations, many teams are hesitant to meet the trade price for either player. DeBrusk is not in that upper tier of stars, and his contract is far more manageable at $5.5 million per season through 2031. He would be a popular trade target, and several teams would likely make offers—many of which might not be ideal landing spots for him.
DeBrusk might be wise to approach the Canucks now and inform them that he is open to a move and has a handful of acceptable destinations. This would not be a formal trade request, but rather an open invitation for the team to shop him to one of a few interested clubs. By getting ahead of the situation, he can better control his future. That does not guarantee the Canucks will cooperate if their plan is to shop him in the largest market possible. However, if they want to move him now, the two sides could work together to create a win-win outcome.
Originally reported by yardbarker.