Is Jake DeBrusk the next Flames trade target?

Could Jake DeBrusk be a buy-low target for the Calgary Flames? That’s a question many NHL teams are asking now that the trade request by Boston Bruins forward Jake DeBrusk is public. DeBrusk will stick with the Bruins for now, but it’s unlikely that situation will take too long to resolve.

The Calgary Flames are one of the first teams mentioned among interested parties. But the list of suitors is likely very long for the Edmonton product. (Spoiler alert – the Oilers are mentioned, too).

No shortage of interest for @NHLBruins Jake DeBrusk including @EdmontonOilers and @NHLFlames Also in the mix @Canes and @StLouisBlues @FAN590 @NHL

— Nick Kypreos (@RealKyper) November 30, 2021

DeBrusk is a power forward in waiting. But since the Bruins 2019 Stanley Cup Final run, in which DeBrusk was an integral piece, he and coach Bruce Cassidy have been at odds. DeBrusk’s agent confirmed to TSN they asked for a trade and that he will stay on while the team attempts to deal him.

The 25-year-old isn’t cheap, though. He carries a $3.675 million cap hit through this season and has arbitration rights as an RFA this summer.

Our colleague Jimmy Murphy, who has covered DeBrusk for several years, says the Ottawa Senators, Seattle Kraken, New York Rangers and Vancouver Canucks are all interested, with the Sens and Kraken at the early forefront.

The 6-foot, 194-lb. winger is a natural left flanker with the potential to be a net-front presence. But after scoring 27 goals and 42 points over 65 games in 2018-19, he’s scored 27 in 122 since. His biggest issue is consistency.

For the Flames, DeBrusk would be yet another top-nine left-winger, although his potential is intriguing. In addition to finding the right fit on the roster, the Calgary Flames would also have to dump salary in return as a team near the ceiling this season.