DeBrusk’s Potential Impact and Vancouver’s Best Contracts: Insights from the Canucks Conversation Mailbag
In a recent episode of Canucks Conversation, David Quadrelli and Harman Dayal delved into fan queries and comments, focusing on Jake DeBrusk’s anticipated impact and the value of the Canucks’ contracts.
DeBrusk’s signing of a 7-year deal with a $5.5 million annual average value (AAV) on the first day of free agency was a key discussion point. Harm noted that, compared to other big-name forwards signed on July 1st, DeBrusk’s contract represents solid value. He pointed out that while the Canucks don’t have many “steal” contracts, the overall accumulation of marginal gains is significant. Contracts like those of Pius Suter ($1.6 million), Teddy Blueger ($1.8 million), and Nils Höglander ($1.1 million), along with Quinn Hughes below $8 million and Thatcher Demko at $5 million, collectively add up to a favorable cap situation, especially after shedding inefficient contracts.
Quadrelli emphasized that DeBrusk’s addition will enhance the power play. He remarked that while Elias Pettersson is crucial, DeBrusk is the best fourth forward the power play has had since Andrei Kuzmenko. He observed that previous power plays struggled against opposing penalty kills, with calls for more aggressive play and net-front presence. DeBrusk’s role could bring a new dynamic, potentially improving the power play’s effectiveness.
Harman highlighted that DeBrusk’s ideal role might be as a left-shot bumper on the power play, complementing J.T. Miller’s left-side quarterbacking. This setup could recreate some of the elements lost with Bo Horvat’s departure. The success of this arrangement will depend on how well DeBrusk fits into the system and how effectively Pettersson performs.
The conversation then shifted to Elias Pettersson and the importance of his return to peak form. With high expectations for DeBrusk to fill the top-six winger role alongside Pettersson, the stakes are high. Harm expressed confidence that Pettersson would be healthier this season, noting that he played through an injury from January onward, which coincided with a sharp decline in his production. An offseason free from contract distractions should also benefit Pettersson, allowing him to focus solely on his game.
Harman views Pettersson as a crucial factor for the Canucks’ potential deep playoff run. He believes that, apart from Pettersson and a healthy Thatcher Demko, most players have already reached their peak performance. Maintaining last season’s level of play would be a win, but the key to success will be Pettersson’s health and Demko’s performance in the playoffs.
