NHL Trade Rumors (Getty Images) The Edmonton Oilers are still exploring ways to strengthen their forward group, and Jake DeBrusk continues to be linked with the club as trade speculation gains momentum. While nothing has advanced beyond discussions and outside proposals, the connection refuses to fade. Vancouver’s leading goal scorer from last season fits Edmonton’s need for another proven winger, but turning that idea into reality is far more complicated than it first appears. Between the Oilers’ tight salary cap situation and Vancouver’s asking price, any serious deal would require more than a simple exchange of draft picks or depth pieces.
Why are the Oilers still being linked to Jake DeBrusk?
The latest round of speculation picked up after a fan-generated trade proposal gained attention online, suggesting Edmonton could land DeBrusk for a 2027 second-round pick and a 2028 third-round selection. The proposal attracted thousands of views, but it remains exactly that: fan speculation rather than an indication of active negotiations.Even so, DeBrusk’s name keeps finding its way into conversations involving Edmonton.The 29-year-old winger finished his first full season in Vancouver with 23 goals and 19 assists in 81 games. His overall numbers came while playing on a Canucks team that struggled throughout the year, finishing last in the NHL with a 25-49-8 record and a league-worst minus-100 goal differential. DeBrusk also posted a minus-31 rating, but that statistic reflected the team’s broader defensive problems as much as his individual play.His finish to the season offered a different perspective. DeBrusk scored seven goals over his final 10 games, including six on the power play. He became even hotter over the final five contests, producing four goals with three coming on the man advantage. For teams searching for additional scoring before another playoff run, that late-season production remains appealing.Edmonton has reportedly revisited its interest as well.“I know Edmonton circled back at some point, I’m not sure where those conversations have gone just yet,” Pagnotta said on Sekeres & Price.Nick Kypreos also believes DeBrusk remains one of the offseason’s notable trade candidates.“This is part of the teardown, looking to move a 29-year-old winger in the middle of a seven-year contract. DeBrusk can be helpful for a team in the playoff mix, but in rebuilding Vancouver the timing just doesn’t line up anymore. This is not the team DeBrusk thought he was signing on to,” Kypreos wrote.
Can the Oilers realistically afford a Jake DeBrusk trade?
Interest is one thing. Making the finances work is another.DeBrusk is entering the third season of his seven-year, $38.5 million contract and carries a $5.5 million cap hit. Edmonton already has major commitments to Connor McDavid, Leon Draisaitl and Evan Bouchard, leaving little flexibility without sending salary the other way.One proposed hockey trade would see the Oilers acquire DeBrusk while Vancouver receives Mattias Janmark and young defenseman Spencer Stastney. Janmark has just one year remaining on his contract and could provide veteran depth before potentially becoming a trade chip later in the season. Stastney, meanwhile, may have a clearer path to regular NHL minutes on a rebuilding Canucks roster.Still, Vancouver would likely seek stronger value than a package centered on mid-round picks or expendable roster pieces. A 23-goal winger under contract for several more seasons remains a valuable asset despite the team’s rebuilding direction.If negotiations with Vancouver never gain traction, Edmonton has other options. Elliotte Friedman has reported that veteran forwards Claude Giroux and Vladimir Tarasenko are also among players drawing the Oilers’ attention as the club continues searching for more offensive support.