Photo credit: Dan Hamilton-Imagn Images
In a surprise move, the Canucks have scratched forward Jake DeBrusk, which could be a sign for Brad Treliving to come in and add the perfect help for Auston Matthews.
DeBrusk a healthy scratch as Vancouver tenure reaches snag
On Monday, it was announced that the Canucks would be scratching forward Jake DeBrusk after his slow start to the season:
DeBrusk only has 17 points in 37 games; a big drop-off from his usual 20-goal, 45-point pace. Expected to be a focal point of Vancouver’s offense, the team overall has not been good; it’s not just on DeBrusk.
Sherwood is the only Canucks player in double-digit goals with 16, the next is Brock Boeser with nine. Elias Pettersson is struggling mightily as well, and it’s dire times right now in Vancouver.
So without a doubt, even if he’s struggling — Toronto should trade for him. Not only because he would be a great piece alongside the top-six but his playoff experience and production should be a huge boost to the lineup come April/May.
Why Brad Treliving should try and acquire Jake DeBrusk
DeBrusk, 29, has 331 points in 574 games so far in his NHL career (175 goals, 156 assists) while adding an additional 47 points in the playoffs. He also plays great defensively and would help Toronto’s power play and penalty killing even more.
The only caveat is that the Maple Leafs would be paying him a lot for a long time, as he is under contract for the next four seasons after this, at a hit of $5.5-million a year. If DeBrusk can regain his previous offensive form then it’s not a horrible contract, but if not; we run into yet another big expensive contract.
Plus, he has a no-movement clause so he would need to approve the trade in the first place, but he may entertain a deal given he could get a chance to contend.
Going the other way is another story though we could see Toronto dangle Matias Maccelli as well as a couple of younger players or picks to give the Canucks help for their rebuild but who knows where GM Patrik Allvin stands in terms of what assets he wants for DeBrusk.
But if things keep going south in Vancouver, then maybe DeBrusk can head east to the Maple Leafs and find a new home with an old rival.
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