Canucks winger Jake DeBrusk has been a speculative trade candidate dating back to last season.  Signed to a seven-year, $38.5MM contract two years ago with the hopes of his joining a contender, the team has gone in a different direction, one he has suggested that he’d open to moving away from.  However, TSN’s Ryan Rishaug noted Wednesday (Twitter link) that there has yet to be any dialogue between the Canucks and DeBrusk’s camp about waiving his trade protection, an element that will be needed before he can be dealt.  The 29-year-old had 23 goals last season, although only four of those came at even strength.  That limited five-on-five production, coupled with five years left on his deal, is likely limiting his trade market at this point.

More from out West:

• Speaking with reporters Wednesday (audio link), Flames GM Craig Conroy indicated that he has been in talks with Simon Nemec’s representatives about his next contract. However, he noted that he doesn’t expect to hear back from them until later this week or early next.  Nemec was acquired last month for a pair of first-round picks and a second-round selection and was previously believed to be seeking a deal similar to Luke Hughes, who received a seven-year, $63MM contract last fall.
• The Predators announced that they have hired Dawson Sprigings as an Assistant to the GM. The 32-year-old is someone that new GM Chris MacFarland is quite familiar with.  Sprigings spent the last seven seasons with Colorado, serving as their Associate Director of Analytics and Lead Data Scientist.  MacFarland, of course, came over from the Avs last month so he has plenty of experience working with Sprigings and will likely have him working in a similar capacity despite the different job title.
• Veteran forward Kevin Rooney will be remaining in the Mammoth’s organization, but in a different situation than last year. After playing on an NHL two-way deal last season, the AHL’s Tucson Roadrunners announced that they’ve signed Rooney to a one-year AHL contract.  The 33-year-old had 24 points in 44 games last season with the club while adding a goal in his lone appearance with Utah.