The 2025-26 season has undoubtedly been a nightmare for the Vancouver Canucks. The Canucks are currently at the bottom of the NHL standings with a 21-43-8 record and 50 points. They have also lost each of their last five games, so they are only getting worse as the campaign rolls on.
Given how horribly this season has gone for the Canucks, they decided to start a rebuild. They most notably traded superstar defenseman Quinn Hughes to the Minnesota Wild earlier this season. They then traded Kiefer Sherwood (San Jose Sharks), Tyler Myers (Dallas Stars), Conor Garland (Columbus Blue Jackets), David Kampf (Washington Capitals), and Lukas Reichel (Boston Bruins).
With this, there is an expectation that the Canucks will continue to tear down their roster during the summer. One player who will be a prime trade candidate to watch during the offseason is Jake DeBrusk. The 29-year-old winger was a popular name in the rumor mill leading up to the trade deadline and could be a nice pickup for teams looking to add more secondary scoring.
Because of this, let’s look at three teams that could look to acquire DeBrusk during the offseason if the Canucks end up shopping him.
New Jersey Devils
The New Jersey Devils could be a team to watch closely when it comes to DeBrusk. The Devils have noticeably underperformed in 2025-26 and are likely to miss the playoffs. Due to this, they should be aggressive this summer, and one of their biggest needs is at least one more scoring winger. Therefore, it would make sense if they made a serious push for a player like DeBrusk during the offseason.
If the Devils acquired DeBrusk from the Canucks, he would provide them with a clear upgrade over Connor Brown on their second line with Jack Hughes and Jesper Bratt. He would also give them another option to work with on their power play.
Chicago Blackhawks
The Chicago Blackhawks are entering the summer with plenty of cap space. Because of this, they will be in a position to add to their roster during the offseason, and DeBrusk could be a solid fit on their roster. It is no secret that the Blackhawks need to improve their depth on the wings, and bringing in a proven forward like DeBrusk would provide them with just that.
DeBrusk could slot nicely into the Blackhawks’ top six and on their power play due to his skill. He would give star center Connor Bedard another skilled winger to work with, which is undoubtedly a major need for Chicago right now. Furthermore, with DeBrusk being locked up until 2030-31, he could be a good long-term fit for Chicago.
Los Angeles Kings
The Los Angeles Kings could also be a team to keep an eye on when it comes to DeBrusk this offseason. They undoubtedly need more scoring, and their minus-27 goal differential effectively demonstrates this. Because of this, it would make sense for them to bring in a veteran like DeBrusk to their forward group.
DeBrusk would give the Kings’ top nine a much-needed boost if acquired. He could move up and down their lineup, too, as he can play both left wing and right wing.
Canucks Rumors: 3 Offseason Trade Fits for Jake DeBrusk