Jake DeBrusk could have a real say in where this goes if the Vancouver Canucks decide to move him this season, and that may be exactly why a deal now could appeal to him.
Chris Johnston included DeBrusk on his latest trade board and pointed out that the winger holds the leverage in any move while his full no-movement protection is still in place. If DeBrusk helps the Canucks work out a trade now, he gets a chance to steer the process toward a destination he prefers.
Johnston wrote:
“A player who doesn’t fit the mold of the rebuilding efforts underway in Vancouver. DeBrusk is a strong skater with a nose for the net, having surpassed the 20-goal plateau five times during his NHL career.
This is also the final season in which DeBrusk’s contract includes a full no-movement clause, making it the last where he’ll have full control over his destination in a trade. The Canucks are clearly positioned to be sellers, and DeBrusk’s deal is looking more attractive with salaries on the rise around the league.”
That control won’t last forever. After this season, his full no-trade clause turns into a 15-team no-trade list, which would give Vancouver the ability to deal him to half the league without his approval. For a player who may want a say in his next stop, that changes the calculus.
DeBrusk also isn’t in the same category as the biggest names who can dictate the market, like Dylan Larkin and Connor Hellebuyck. His contract is much easier to manage at $5.5 million per season until 2031, and that kind of number should draw interest. At the same time, that interest could come from several teams, not all of which would be especially appealing landing spots.
The move doesn’t require a formal trade request. DeBrusk could simply let the Canucks know he’s open to a change and provide a short list of places he’d be willing to go. That would amount to an open door for Vancouver to shop him, not a hard demand.
If he gets out ahead of it, DeBrusk gives himself a better shot at shaping what comes next. Vancouver still gets to decide whether to act, but if both sides want a deal, there’s a path here that could work for everyone.
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