The Vancouver Canucks are generating quite a media buzz once again.
On Sunday, Canucks head coach Adam Foote announced that Jake DeBrusk will sit out Monday’s game as a healthy scratch versus the Seattle Kraken. It will mark the 29-year-old’s first time being a healthy scratch since signing a seven-year deal with the Canucks ahead of the 2024-25 season.
It’s no secret that the Canucks are in a rebuilding stage after trading Quinn Hughes this month, which has prompted rumours that DeBrusk could now be up next. Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman, however, doesn’t think it’s time to jump to that conclusion just yet.
“I just want to see this and see how it plays out,” Friedman said on the latest 32 Thoughts podcast. “I don’t know if you’re jumping to a [trade] conclusion yet.
“Jake DeBrusk is in the second year of a long-term deal. He’s still playing a bit for them; it’s not like you’re looking at what they’re doing with him around this and saying, ‘The opportunities aren’t there.’ I don’t know that we’re there yet.”
DeBrusk, who has been known as a streaky player throughout his 584-game career, scored a career-high 28 goals with the Canucks in 2024-25. Through 37 games this season, he’s managed nine goals and 17 points, though he’s found the back of the net just once through his last 16 outings.
Given that he has an additional five years remaining on his contract after the 2025-26 season wraps up, being able to find a trade fit for DeBrusk may not be an easy feat for GM Patrik Allvin. It’s also worth noting that DeBrusk has a full no-movement clause, giving him plenty of power regarding his playing future.
It’s been a trying season for the Canucks, who sit 32nd in the NHL standings with a disappointing 15-19-3 record. They’re currently riding a two-game losing streak, which they’ll be looking to change on Monday versus a Kraken team that is back in the playoff picture thanks to wins in four straight.
You might also like:Vancouver Canucks shake up lines by scratching two veteran forwards