The Personal Connection That Could Bring This Winger to Edmonton

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The Personal Connection That Could Bring This Winger to Edmonton

Jim Parsons

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With the Canucks weighing a trade, Jake DeBrusk’s family ties and elite net-front scoring could bolster Edmonton’s power play for a sustained championship run.

The Vancouver Canucks appear ready (or at least open to the idea) to move on from Jake DeBrusk as part of their rebuild. It's unclear what the ask would be in a trade, but there's a fit in Edmonton if the forward can be had for the right price.

What makes the trade even more intriguing is DeBrusk's personal connection to the Edmonton Oilers.

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DeBrusk's father, Louie, played for the Oilers during his NHL career and remains a color commentator on Edmonton's broadcasts today, giving the winger a real, longstanding connection to the organization. He spends a lot of time in Edmonton during the offseason, and he could mesh well with a team featuring some of the league's best offensive talent.

On the ice, the appeal is straightforward. DeBrusk is coming off a season with 19 power-play goals, third-most in the NHL, and his net-front presence could add another scoring dimension for a team looking to bounce back after a first-round exit. He's not likely to supplant Zach Hyman in the role on the top unit. But, if Mike Babcock is looking to create a strong second unit -- one that gives the first unit much-needed rest throughout the season -- DeBrusk would be a natural choice.

When Connor McDavid signed his extension in September, the expectation around the league was that he would become the NHL's first $19-million player, or at least come close enough that the distinction wouldn't matter. Nobody would've argued he hadn't earned it. He's the best player in the world, the face of the sport and the biggest reason the Edmonton Oilers have spent the better part of a decade chasing the Stanley Cup.

thehockeynews.comOilers Fans Gain New Appreciation For McDavids ContractWhen Connor McDavid signed his extension in September, the expectation around the league was that he would become the NHL's first $19-million player, or at least come close enough that the distinction wouldn't matter. Nobody would've argued he hadn't earned it. He's the best player in the world, the face of the sport and the biggest reason the Edmonton Oilers have spent the better part of a decade chasing the Stanley Cup.

He's signed through 2030-31 at a $6.25 million cap hit, giving Edmonton term at a reasonable price if he fits. And, as salaries climb, DeBrusk's contract looks more and more appealing. He's bankable.

DeBrusk turns 30 in October, which means his window matches well with the Oilers window to win. The question becomes, are the Oilers ready to use their remaining cap space on him? It would leave them none for later in the season, and if there's one thing we've learned, it's that players who weren't available just weeks earlier might suddenly be. Having the room to seize an opportunity is also important.

Would you trade for DeBrusk if you're Edmonton?

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