The Lightning should consider pursuing this Canucks forward.
The Tampa Bay Lightning have made a handful of new additions to their roster this off-season. While this is the case, it is fair to argue that they should consider making at least one more move before the start of the season.
The Lightning could use another skilled winger to solidify their top six. When looking at trade candidates around the NHL, Vancouver Canucks forward Jake DeBrusk stands out as a very intriguing option for them to consider.
Questions about DeBrusk's future in Vancouver have come up since before the 2026 NHL Trade Deadline. It is understandable, as the Canucks kicked off a full-on rebuild this past season and have moved on from multiple of their former veteran players.
If the Lightning acquired DeBrusk, he would have the potential to be an excellent fit on their second line with Anthony Cirelli and Brandon Hagel. He would also give the Bolts another good option for their power play because of his scoring ability.
DeBrusk would be a long-term addition for the Lightning, too, as he has a very reasonable $5.5 million cap hit through the 2030-31 season.
In 81 games this past season for the Canucks, DeBrusk scored a team-leading 23 goals and posted 42 points. This was after he scored a career-high 28 goals and recorded 48 points in 82 games for Vancouver during the 2024-25 campaign. With numbers like these, he would be a nice pickup for the Bolts.
