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Canucks Start Rebuild as Jake DeBrusk Emerges as Most Likely Trade Asset

Full no-movement clauses and large long-term salaries are pushing Vancouver toward targeted, low-risk roster and cap moves rather than sweeping exits.

Overview

  • This week Vancouver completed a front-office and coaching reset with Ryan Johnson promoted to general manager and Manny Malhotra elevated to head coach as the club pivots to a rebuild.
  • Multiple outlets report Jake DeBrusk is the likeliest movable veteran on the roster with the Ottawa Senators publicly named among teams that have shown interest.
  • DeBrusk carries a $5.5 million cap hit and a full no-movement clause that gives him control over any trade and converts to a 15-team no-trade list on July 1, 2027.
  • Elias Pettersson’s $11.6 million average annual value and full no-movement clause make moving him a difficult and unlikely near-term option without an exceptional offer.
  • Vancouver’s near-term plan is to use the draft and small, low-risk deals to reshape the roster while hunting salary-dump or asset-for-salary swaps that preserve future flexibility.