The Ottawa Senators, Seattle Kraken, Winnipeg Jets and Columbus Blue Jackets are among teams interested in Vancouver Canucks forward Jake DeBrusk.
DeBrusk Market Draws Four Suitors
David Pagnotta of the Fourth Period reported that Ottawa, Seattle, Winnipeg and Columbus have expressed interest while Vancouver listens to offers on the 29-year-old winger. The Canucks have already fielded calls on Elias Pettersson, indicating broader roster flexibility this summer.
Manny Malhotra receives compensation of 1.5 million Canadian dollars, a detail that separates his contract structure from standard U.S. dollar deals across the league. This currency distinction affects cap calculations for teams evaluating similar veteran additions.
Jack Roslovic and Adam Henrique both appear unlikely to return to the Edmonton Oilers next season, freeing two forward spots and approximately 5 million in combined cap space. Edmonton can now redirect resources toward other pending free agents.
Laine and Kane Reshape Western and Eastern Lineups
Patrik Laine could reach the Los Angeles Kings on a low average annual value contract loaded with bonuses after the Kings held trade-deadline discussions with the Montreal Canadiens. The 28-year-old winger would provide secondary scoring without a long-term commitment.
Patrick Kane could replace Alex Tuch in Buffalo, where the Sabres seek immediate offensive production. The 37-year-old forward would slot into a top-six role vacated by Tuch’s departure.
The Sabres may trade Bowen Byram to acquire a young top-six forward, creating a two-way asset exchange that addresses forward depth while opening ice time for prospects.
Nurse and Byram Trades Accelerate Timeline
The Pittsburgh Penguins and Edmonton Oilers have discussed a Darnell Nurse trade, with Pittsburgh listed first on the defenseman’s five-team no-trade list. A deal could materialize around the 2026 draft, moving the 31-year-old at roughly 9.25 million against the cap.
Drew Doughty continues extension talks with the Kings, securing the 36-year-old’s presence on the blue line for at least two additional seasons.
Bowen Byram recorded a career-high 42 points in 82 games last season plus seven points in 13 playoff contests, establishing his value as a mobile top-four option one year from unrestricted free agency. Pittsburgh could acquire him for draft picks comparable to the Filip Hronek return of a first and second, or a usable forward plus pick.
The Penguins gain roster flexibility once Erik Karlsson’s final year and Kris Letang’s two remaining seasons conclude, creating an opening for Byram to assume top-pair responsibilities alongside Rasmus Dahlin and Owen Power in Buffalo.
Frequently Asked Questions
Sources
Par Mike Jonderson
Mike Jonderson is a passionate hockey analyst and expert in advanced NHL statistics. A former college player and mathematics graduate, he combines his understanding of the game with technical expertise to develop innovative predictive models and contribute to the evolution of modern hockey analytics.