Oilers and Flames bidding against each other to sign free agent Jake DeBrusk

PUBLICATION

Liam McCormick
June 15, 2024 (6:00 PM)

SHARE THIS STORY

Alberta native Jake DeBrusk from the Boston Bruins is set to hit free agency in the coming weeks, and the Calgary Flames are trying to outbid the Edmonton Oilers to sign him.

According to James Johnson of the Win Column, Jake DeBrusk is interested in signing with both the Calgary Flames and Edmonton Oilers, as well as the Carolina Hurricanes.

Edmonton is DeBrusk's hometown, and his father Louie DeBrusk also played for the Oilers and now works for Sportsnet calling their games. That's an obvious close personal tie to the city of Edmonton, but Calgary could also be a great opportunity for DeBrusk and isn't far from Edmonton compared to Carolina.

A source tells The Win Column that there is mutual interest between DeBrusk and the Flames. That's not to say there will be a deal consummated on July 1, but it is certainly a possibility. DeBrusk also has mutual interest with the Edmonton Oilers and a third team, which I believe to be the Carolina Hurricanes.

DeBrusk was drafted in the first round by the Bruins back in 2015, and has since played his entire career in Boston despite extensive rumours he'd be on the way out. Over his career, the 27 year old has proven himself as a solid two-way forward with the ability to score up to 25 goals a year. Last season was a down year for DeBrusk, only scoring 19 goals and 40 points in 80 games. He had a great playoffs however, scoring 5 goals and 11 points in 13 games.

Jake DeBrusk is a better fit with the Oilers than Flames as a free agent signing

DeBrusk's asking price isn't exactly known, but it could plausibly be in the range of 5-6 Million for a long term contract. DeBrusk could make sense for the Oilers as a quality winger alongside Leon Draisaitl, but that signing doesn't make sense for the Flames - who realistically may not be competitive for a few years.

These Oilers offseason moves could begin being addressed tonight if the team isn't able to pull off a must-win game 4 at home. The belief among the team is there, but they're facing a hill that's only been climbed once before in the Stanley Cup Final. If any team could come back from 0-3 however, it would be the Connor McDavid Oilers.

Source: The Win Column

Mutual interest between the Calgary Flames and Jake DeBrusk in free agency