Star winger of the Canucks still wants trade to contender as Vancouver weighs major moves
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Jake DeBrusk still wants a trade out of Vancouver to a contender, David Pagnotta reports, with the 3-11-1 Canucks open to moving veterans.
Jake DeBrusk has not changed his mind.
David Pagnotta reported on Wednesday's DFO Insider podcast that the Vancouver Canucks winger still wants out and would like to land with a contender.
Re Jake DeBrusk future/Canucks: "His mindset hasn't changed, he still would like to be moved out of there and go to a contender."
- David Pagnotta
- David Pagnotta
That is a tough ask for a team in this spot.
The Canucks sit at 3-11-1 and eighth in the Pacific after Thursday night in San Jose.
GM Ryan Johnson is reportedly open to moving several veterans, and The Fourth Period named DeBrusk, Drew O'Connor, Filip Chytil and Luke Schenn.
Johnson also wants younger players who can already play in the NHL.
Why DeBrusk holds the leverage
He has a full no-movement clause this season, so nothing happens unless he signs off.
Chris Johnston wrote on his trade board that this is the final year DeBrusk controls where he goes, which could push him to work with Vancouver on a deal.
He also said back on Sept. 9 that he had not requested a trade, and that he picked Vancouver for a reason.
The money matters too. DeBrusk carries a $5.5 million cap hit through 2030-31, and he turned 30 earlier this month.
Where DeBrusk could land
No team has been tied to him in Pagnotta's latest update.
Earlier this month, Bleacher Report listed the Canadiens among the top landing spots, and the Edmonton native has long been linked to the Oilers in trade talk.
Those are fits people are guessing at, not reported pursuits.
Vancouver hosts Toronto on Saturday, so every game from here is a chance for DeBrusk to boost his value.
Whether that turns into a deal depends on Johnson finding a package he likes and DeBrusk approving the destination.
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