Jake DeBrusk, a forward for the Vancouver Canucks, has made it clear that he is not on board with the team's plans for a rebuild. DeBrusk, who has 13 goals and 29 points in 59 games this season, is signed through 2030-31 at a cap hit of $5.5 million. While he acknowledges that a rebuild can be a great opportunity for younger players, he is not interested in going through it himself. DeBrusk's stance is clear: "Obviously, that [rebuild] is not something I would be okay with or accepting. My game doesn’t fit that."
The Canucks are in the midst of a challenging season, sitting last in the NHL and focusing on a long-term renovation after trading star defenceman and captain Quinn Hughes earlier this season. TSN Hockey Insiders Chris Johnston and Darren Dreger have speculated that defenceman Filip Hronek may be the only untouchable on Vancouver’s roster as the rebuild begins. DeBrusk, who was listed at No. 31 on the latest TSN Trade Bait board, is one of several veteran forwards who may be looking for a move. "I’ve said it since I’ve been here. I don’t care how I do as long as we’re winning and we haven’t been winning," DeBrusk added. "I’ve learned a lot more about myself in some ways this year. Lots of ups and down and it’s more a mental thing."
DeBrusk posted a career-best 28 goals with 48 points in 82 games last season, his first with the Canucks. He has hit the 25-goal mark four times in eight NHL seasons entering this year. Selected 14th overall by the Boston Bruins in 2015, DeBrusk has 179 goals and 343 points in 606 games with the Bruins and Canucks. But here's where it gets controversial... While DeBrusk may not be interested in a rebuild, the Canucks have not received any trade calls on him, and the full no-move clause in his contract will shift to a 15-team no-trade list after next season. So, what does this mean for DeBrusk's future with the team? It's a question that could spark differing opinions, and we'd love to hear your thoughts in the comments. Do you agree with DeBrusk's stance, or do you think the Canucks should explore other options?
