It is June, and that means the NHL rumor mill is in full swing as the draft approaches. The latest speculation involves Vancouver Canucks winger Jake DeBrusk potentially heading to the Ottawa Senators.
According to colleague Bruce Garrioch in Ottawa, the Senators are the latest team to express interest in DeBrusk. The 29-year-old winger has five years remaining on his contract with a modest $5.5 million annual cap hit. In a league where the salary cap is rising, a player who can contribute on the second line and on the power play at that price is highly sought after.
Multiple league sources confirmed to me that the fit makes sense for Ottawa, which is looking for a top-six winger and a top-four defenseman. DeBrusk fits the bill as a reliable scorer and power play weapon.
Sources suggest the Canucks may lean further into their rebuild by trading more veteran players. DeBrusk is not the only one; Elias Pettersson has also been mentioned in trade rumors. However, the focus remains on DeBrusk for now.
DeBrusk has scored over 20 goals five times in his career, including a career-high 28 in 2024-25, his first season with Vancouver. Despite a tumultuous season, he remained a steady performer. He signed with Vancouver to help the team contend, but instead, the team has entered a full rebuild.
The question is whether DeBrusk, who turns 30 in October, has the patience for another season or two of losing while management rebuilds for the future. Alternatively, he might prefer a more certain situation in Ottawa, which resembles the team he thought he was joining two years ago.
If DeBrusk is willing to move, Canucks general manager Ryan Johnson will likely drive a hard bargain. DeBrusk is a valuable asset—a scorer, forechecker, and responsible defenseman. Other teams will surely be interested if Vancouver signals a willingness to trade him.
DeBrusk is a good player who can help a good team, making him a strong bargaining chip for the Canucks as they navigate their rebuild.
