Jake DeBrusk Signs with Vancouver Canucks

Jake DeBrusk Signs with Vancouver Canucks

Jake DeBrusk has been in the NHL playoffs for seven consecutive seasons, a streak that began with the Boston Bruins in 2017 and continued through last year’s run with the Vancouver Canucks.

New Contract

The veteran forward signed a seven-year, $38.5-million US free-agent contract with Vancouver on July 1. He expressed that the contract was fair in terms of value and duration, and he also wanted to be closer to his family roots in Edmonton.

Family Background

DeBrusk’s father, Louie, is well-known in hockey circles; he played as a hard-rock winger and later transitioned into an analyst role. Louie was also teammates with Vancouver head coach Rick Tocchet during their time together on the Phoenix Coyotes.

Optimism for the Season

DeBrusk mentioned that he watched this year’s Canucks squad play before signing, which gave him optimism about extending his playoff run.

“I think we’re going to be good,” DeBrusk said after practice at Rogers Arena. “I think we’ve got some great pieces here.”

Performance and Lineup

Last season, DeBrusk recorded 27 goals and 46 points while playing alongside Elias Pettersson, who general manager Patrik Allvin called one of the best lines in hockey.

Allvin confirmed that DeBrusk will play left wing next season alongside Pettersson at center and Bo Horvat at right wing when they return from their respective injuries this summer or early fall training camp.

“Bo will come back healthy,” Allvin said. “Elias is coming back healthy too.”

Injury Updates

  • Bo Horvat: Missed most of last season due to an upper-body injury sustained against Toronto on December 29. He returned for three games before being shut down again due to concussion protocol symptoms from another hit.

  • Elias Pettersson: Suffered a lower-body injury against Calgary on January 14 but returned for four games before missing eight more due to concussion protocol symptoms.

Allvin confirmed that both players are expected back next season without any lingering issues.

Team Changes

The Canucks have made significant changes since their playoff run ended on April 20 against Edmonton. Key changes include:

  • Trade of Thatcher Demko: The star goalie who started all six games of Vancouver’s first-round series loss has been traded.
  • Coaching Changes: The team parted ways with head coach Bruce Boudreau and several assistant coaches.

These changes reflect the Canucks’ commitment to improving their performance and building a competitive team for the upcoming season.

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