Ottawa Senators Emerging as Top Contender for Jake DeBrusk in NHL Trade Talks

Jake DeBrusk is drawing interest from the Ottawa Senators, according to two league sources, as the Vancouver Canucks consider trading the 29-year-old forward in a seller’s market. The Sens are among the teams eyeing a move to bolster their forward depth ahead of the 2026-27 season. DeBrusk, who signed a seven-year, $38.5 million contract with Vancouver in July 2024, is entering the second year of that deal and remains one of the league’s most consistent secondary scorers.

DeBrusk has posted 20 or more goals in four of the past five seasons. Last year alone he scored 23 goals, 19 of which came on the power play. Over the past two seasons combined he has tallied 51 goals, a number that makes him a highly attractive option for playoff-bound teams. His net-front presence and ability to finish chances make him a valuable complement to top-six lines.

Ottawa has the cap space to accommodate DeBrusk’s $5.5 million annual cap hit, with roughly $17 million in room to work with. The Senators already boast a strong forward group featuring Tim Stutzle, Brady Tkachuk, Shane Pinto, Dylan Cozens, and Drake Batherson. Adding DeBrusk would give them a consistent scorer who can slot into a secondary role and help push them closer to playoff contention.

The Vancouver Canucks are reportedly leaning into a full rebuild, and DeBrusk appears open to a trade. He holds a no-move clause for the upcoming season but has indicated he does not want to be part of a long-term rebuild. This could make a trade more likely, especially if Ottawa or another playoff contender offers a fair return in draft picks or young assets.

While the Edmonton Oilers have been linked to DeBrusk in the past, the Senators are now emerging as a serious suitor. DeBrusk’s roots in Edmonton and his fit as a complementary piece around elite talent make him a logical target for the Oilers as well. However, Ottawa’s playoff push and cap flexibility give them a strong position in any potential bidding war.

With the trade market heating up, the next few weeks will be crucial for both the Canucks and interested teams. Vancouver is expected to make a decision on DeBrusk by the start of free agency, and Ottawa is already deep into internal discussions. If a deal materializes, it could reshape the Senators’ forward group and give them a better shot at making a deep playoff run in the competitive Eastern Conference.