The 2025-2026 campaign was a tough one for the Vancouver Canucks as they finished last in the NHL with a 25-49-8 record, which gave them 58 points in the standings. This brutal campaign initiated a rebuilding process this season with the Quinn Hughes trade to the Minnesota Wild signaling the beginning of a new era in Vancouver.
This offseason is expected to continue to be a fire sale process for the Canucks as many player’s future with the squad have been put under question. One of those players is 29 year old forward Jake DeBrusk.
DeBrusk’s future in Vancouver seems all but confirmed to be coming to an end this summer as insider David Pagnotta noted: “I think he’s gonna continue to be open to a move, perhaps encourage it; that’s fairly defined and already understood.”
Jake DeBrusk Could Fetch Vancouver a Hefty Return
While losing DeBrusk would hurt this Vancouver team in the present, given his scoring ability the group lacks much of, the Canucks could use this move as an opportunity to bolster their youth talent and/or add draft capital. The Canucks were able to receive a haul in the Hughes trade with skilled young players Marco Rossi and Zeev Buium added to the fold.
DeBrusk would obviously not fetch nearly as impressive a return as a star player like Hughes. But given his status as a versatile power forward in the prime of his career, teams will be willing to pay up for his services. He would be a valuable addition on any teams top-six offensive rotation, especially on a team with playoff aspirations.
This Will Be a Big Summer for Vancouver’s Rebuild
DeBrusk is just one of many Vancouver players who could be on the move this offseason. Elias Pettersson, Evander Kane and Derek Forbert are just a few other guys who could be packing their bags this summer.
While these potential losses will not improve the club’s chances for next season, that is fine for Vancouver. This team was not expected to be back in the playoff conversation in 26-27 anyway. Another finish near the bottom of the standings next season will give them another top pick and potentially land a franchise changing player like top projected 2027 draft pick Landon DuPont. Could he be the future Hughes replacement on this Canucks defense?
That is the silver lining of this past season for Vancouver. While the play on the ice may have been dreadful for fans to watch; the 32nd place finish gives them the best draft lottery odds heading into May 5th. The possibility of the Canucks adding a top prospect like either Gavin McKenna or Ivar Stenberg to the forward core is enticing and could help fast track their rebuild.
Whatever happens in the draft, the Canucks will be upgrading their prospect pool for the future with a guaranteed top three pick. This will be a nice asset to work with for what will be a new look Vancouver front office following the removal of former General Manager Patrick Allvin.
Like Heavy Sports’s content? Be sure to follow us.
This article was originally published on Heavy Sports
The post Canucks Receive Concerning Jake DeBrusk Update appeared first on Heavy Sports.