Lightning Should Consider Targeting Canucks Forward To Solidify Top Six

The Tampa Bay Lightning have had a great start to the 2026-27 season. They currently sport a 6-2-0 record and are second in the Atlantic Division.

If the Lightning keep piling up wins, they will certainly be buyers this campaign. When looking at their current roster, one area that they could look to improve is their top six. 

The Lightning would be wise to bring in another top-six winger in particular. Their second line could use another skilled winger to play with Jake Guentzel and Brayden Point. Because of this, the Lightning should consider targeting Vancouver Canucks forward Jake DeBrusk.

If the Lightning acquired DeBrusk, he would be a nice upgrade over options like Gage Goncalves and Ilya Mikheyev for Tampa Bay's second line. This is because he is a solid goal scorer with plenty of skill. He could also thrive playing with a star like Point passing him the puck. 

DeBrusk has been the subject of trade rumors for a while now, as the Canucks are rebuilding. Due to this and the Lightning needing forward help, they should consider making a push for DeBrusk this campaign. 

In eight games this season with the Canucks, DeBrusk has posted three goals and five points. This is after he had 23 goals and 42 points in 81 games for Vancouver in 2025-26.