Story Summary
As the Vancouver Canucks continue their rebuild, veteran wingers Brock Boeser and Jake DeBrusk could remain prominent in NHL trade speculation. Travis Yost believes Boeser will remain a trade candidate this season despite a decline in production since his 2023-24 career high. The 29-year-old is signed through 2031-32 with a $7.25 million average annual value and a full no-movement clause, which he would need to waive for a trade.
DeBrusk, also 29, is signed through 2030-31 with a $5.5 million AAV and a full no-movement clause. Thomas Drance argued that DeBrusk’s trade value suffered after he scored only three of his 23 goals at even strength last season, though he believes the winger is a better five-on-five scorer than that total indicates. Seattle and the New York Rangers were mentioned as possible destinations for Boeser, with the latter requiring sufficient cap room.
Key Facts
- Travis Yost believes Brock Boeser will remain a trade candidate this season.
- Brock Boeser is 29 years old.
- Boeser had a career-high season in 2023-24 with 40 goals and 73 points, and his raw production has since declined.
- Boeser is signed through 2031-32 with a $7.25 million average annual value and has a full no-movement clause.
- Teams would need Boeser to waive his full no-movement clause to trade him, according to the reporting.
- The Seattle Kraken and New York Rangers were mentioned as possible suitors for Boeser if circumstances align.
- Jake DeBrusk is 29 years old and signed through 2030-31 with a $5.5 million AAV and a full no-movement clause.
- DeBrusk told reporters earlier this year that playing on a rebuilding team would be difficult to accept at this stage of his career.
- Thomas Drance wrote that DeBrusk’s trade value suffered because he struggled to score at five-on-five last season.
- DeBrusk scored 23 goals last season, only three of which came at even strength.
- Drance believes DeBrusk is a better five-on-five scorer than last season’s numbers suggest, and that stronger even-strength production could improve his trade value ahead of the March trade deadline.
IHM Discussion
The Canucks face a familiar rebuilding-club question with two established wingers on long-term contracts: retain proven scoring or explore what the market might offer. In both cases, a full no-movement clause gives the player considerable control over any potential move.
Yost’s case for Boeser is that his recent production may not fully reflect his ability. His 2023-24 career high of 40 goals and 73 points remains a marker of his offensive ceiling, and the reporting suggests stronger linemates on a deeper club could help his output. A $7.25 million AAV through 2031-32, however, makes any acquiring club’s cap planning central to the decision.
DeBrusk’s case centres more directly on five-on-five scoring. He scored 23 goals last season, but only three came at even strength. Drance believes that total understates his ability at five-on-five, and a better season in that area could strengthen his value as the March deadline approaches.
For Vancouver, neither player’s status guarantees a trade. Any move would require a waiver of the relevant no-movement clause, while each player’s form will help define the level of interest.
Why It Matters
Boeser and DeBrusk are significant roster decisions for a Vancouver club in rebuild mode. Their contracts and no-movement clauses limit the range of possible outcomes, while their scoring form will influence any discussion of value. Around the league, experienced wingers with offensive upside can draw attention as contenders assess their needs ahead of the trade deadline.
IHM Market Outlook
The market for both players remains conditional. Boeser’s $7.25 million AAV, term and full no-movement clause are key considerations, while Seattle and the New York Rangers were mentioned as possible destinations if the circumstances fit. DeBrusk’s full no-movement clause also matters, and stronger five-on-five production could improve his value ahead of the March trade deadline.
Mini Q&A
Could the Canucks trade Brock Boeser or Jake DeBrusk?
Both could remain trade candidates this season, but neither move is confirmed. Any trade would require the player involved to waive his full no-movement clause.
What are the contract details that affect their tradeability?
Boeser is signed through 2031-32 with a $7.25 million average annual value and a full no-movement clause. DeBrusk is signed through 2030-31 with a $5.5 million AAV and also has a full no-movement clause.
Why has Jake DeBrusk’s trade value reportedly dropped?
Thomas Drance noted that DeBrusk struggled to score at five-on-five last season – he had 23 goals but only three at even strength – and that poor even-strength totals have lowered his trade valuation.
Which teams might pursue Boeser or DeBrusk?
Seattle was mentioned as a possible destination for Boeser, while the New York Rangers were also raised as a possibility if they create sufficient cap room. The reporting does not identify a specific suitor for DeBrusk.
When might trades for either player be most likely?
The reporting identifies this season as the relevant window. For DeBrusk, the March trade deadline could be important if improved five-on-five scoring strengthens his value.
Coach Mark Comment
Boeser’s and DeBrusk’s value will be judged most clearly by what they provide at five-on-five. For DeBrusk in particular, a stronger even-strength scoring return would give prospective clubs clearer evidence that he can contribute beyond the power play.
What Comes Next
Watch this season’s early performance and the approach of the March trade deadline. Both writers flag this season as the window in which Boeser and DeBrusk are likely to remain trade candidates, and the March trade deadline is explicitly noted as a likely point when contenders will seek experienced scorers.
IHM Final View
Both Boeser and DeBrusk could remain trade candidates, but neither appears certain to move. Boeser’s market will be shaped by his form, contract and willingness to waive his no-movement clause. For DeBrusk, a rebound in five-on-five scoring could improve his value, with his own clause remaining a practical hurdle to any deal.
