DeBrusk isn’t interested in a rebuild — The Fourth Period
As the Vancouver Canucks navigate the trade waters, and continue to evaluate their options, forward Jake DeBrusk has made is clear he is not interested in going through a rebuild – the path the Canucks are currently on.
In an interview with The Province in Vancouver, DeBrusk voiced his displeasure with the team’s direction and hinted he would be open to a change of scenery.
“I think a rebuild is hard for every player, but at the same point it’s a great opportunity for younger guys,” he said. “This game humbles everybody and it’s been a little bit more than humbling this year. Obviously, that (rebuild) is not something I would be okay with or accepting.
“My game doesn’t fit that.”
DeBrusk, who ranks No.17 on TFP’s Trade Watch List, is in the second year of a seven-year, $38.5 million contract and owns a full no-movement clause. He would need to sign off on any trade the Canucks try to complete, and as TFP’s David Pagnotta reported last week, the 29-year-old is willing to accept a trade to a contending team.
The Edmonton Oilers, Seattle Kraken and Detroit Red Wings are among the teams reportedly interested in DeBrusk.
In addition to DeBrusk, the Canucks are also exploring trade possibilities involving the likes of Evander Kane, Conor Garland, Elias Pettersson, Drew O’Connor and Teddy Blueger, and could be one of the busier teams going into Friday’s 3pm ET trade deadline.
DeBrusk has accumulated 13 goals and 16 assists for 29 points in 59 games this season with the struggling Canucks, who sit last in the NHL with an 18-35-7 record.
