Oilers Should Target Canucks’ DeBrusk This Offseason – Hockey Writers – Edmonton Oilers

As the Edmonton Oilers attempt to navigate what could be their most important season in recent history, there is a nervous excitement surrounding their fans as everyone waits to see what they plan to do in preparation for the 2026-27 season.

After losing in the first round to the Anaheim Ducks, the Oilers clearly need a new look heading into the new campaign. Their goal consistency needs to be fixed, their defensive issues need to be addressed, and they could benefit from adding a top scorer.

With the Oilers making the decision to fire Kris Knoblauch, the forward depth should be utilized more than it has been in previous seasons, and players who have struggled, like Trent Frederic, should find a way to bounce back and produce under a new bench boss.

That being said, the Oilers would still be better off getting a top-six forward who could help them take some of the offensive responsibility away from Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl. If they can’t trade Darnell Nurse this summer, they’ll need to find cost-effective players to fill those roles, and Jake DeBrusk is someone who fits that mold.

DeBrusk, 29, was born in Edmonton. Last season, he scored 23 goals and added 19 assists for 42 points in 81 games for the Vancouver Canucks. Throughout his career, he has scored 189 goals and added 167 assists for 356 points in 628 games, which comes out to 0.57 points per game.

DeBrusk has a cap hit, and is extended through the 2030-31 season, and has a no-movement clause, meaning he will have to approve any trade that comes his way. However, DeBrusk could benefit from a fresh start, and he could be open to joining a team he grew up watching, and a team that is currently competing against.

DeBrusk Delivers High Risk Production

Fans will take a quick look at DeBrusk’s production and note that 19 of his 23 goals last season were on the power play, and considering the Oilers have one of the deadliest games in the league already, it may seem like there’s no reason to bring him in.

However, there are a few reasons why it shouldn’t be a problem. First, DeBrusk gets to the most dangerous spots in the offensive zone better than most of the league. In fact, according to NHL Edge, DeBrusk led the league in most dangerous shots on goal, with 121 last season.

Second, the Oilers have needed to find a way to get a strong second power play unit, and bringing in a power play specialist like DeBrusk allows them to do that. Furthermore, if anyone in the starting unit goes down for any reason, DeBrusk can be trusted to take over that spot and find ways to produce.

Debrusk’s stats are solid

DeBrusk’s defensive numbers aren’t great, but his overall stats are solid.

On a bad team, anyone’s stats will look terrible, but he managed to play so well, they don’t look bad.

Check out his player card from JFreshHockey:

His strong offense numbers and quick power play numbers come out impressive. Overall, he has room for improvement, but for a player who can score at will and won’t break the bank, he could be a solid target for any team.

DeBrusk Has Been Underrated

At this point, fans see a struggling player who was healthy being scratched by the Canucks last season, and immediately assume he has an albatross contract that no one in the league will touch. However, DeBrusk is still hitting at a good rate, especially considering how bad the Canucks were last season.

Right now, DeBrusk is being taken lightly. He’s on a solid contract, and with the cap going up, it’s worth trading him up even more. He can still produce offensively at a viable rate, and is a potential low-cost candidate for the Oilers.

With trade protection, the Canucks don’t have much leverage in trade negotiations, and may have to pay less than they would if they were able to be traded anywhere in the league. Realistically, a prospect, an NHL-ready veteran, and a mid-round draft pick should be a deal. For example, Mattias Janmark, Alec Regula, and the Oilers’ 2028 third-round pick.

At just $5.5 million per year, DeBrusk brings enough to the table to justify trading him. He has some speed, can get into dangerous areas, and is willing to play physical if that’s what it takes to win.

If DeBrusk joined the Oilers and played in their top six, alongside either McDavid or Draisaitl, his power production would skyrocket. McDavid is the best in the world at finding players and creating scoring opportunities for his teammates, and if someone can’t get to the scoring position, McDavid will find them.

Considering how good DeBrusk is at getting to those high-danger scoring spots, the Oilers should be all over him. Not only does he have an affordable contract, but he probably won’t cost much in a trade. Bringing him in adds much-needed scoring, and if the Oilers can clear cap space this summer, one of their first steps should be to bring in DeBrusk.

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