After negotiations between Jake DeBrusk and the Boston Bruins failed to yield a contract agreement, DeBrusk, drafted by the Bruins in the 2015 NHL Draft as the 14th overall pick, entered free agency for the first time in his career. This move eventually led him to sign a substantial seven-year contract with the Vancouver Canucks on the opening day of free agency, worth $5.5 million annually. Reflecting on his decision, DeBrusk expressed his gratitude towards Vancouver’s proactive approach and his excitement about joining the team.
“It’s been a whirlwind process, going through free agency for the first time,” DeBrusk shared in a team-provided video. “But Vancouver showed a lot of aggressiveness. I had a good feeling about them from the start. Once things started aligning, I felt overwhelmed with excitement. I’m really looking forward to getting to the city and starting this new chapter. I feel incredibly fortunate and honored to be part of the Vancouver Canucks.”
During his seven seasons with the Bruins, DeBrusk established himself with 138 goals, 128 assists, and a total of 266 points in 465 regular-season games. He received well-wishes from former teammates upon announcing his move, appreciating their support during this transition.
“My phone’s been blowing up, but my Boston teammates are genuinely happy for me,” DeBrusk noted. “They understood this move was likely, and they’re excited for what’s ahead.”
In addition to DeBrusk, Vancouver also secured signings of Danton Heinen and Derek Forbort from Boston. Concurrently, the Bruins welcomed Elias Lindholm and Nikita Zadorov from Vancouver, marking an exchange of players between the two teams.
Boston’s general manager, Don Sweeney, acknowledged the challenges in negotiations, stating, “I wish Jake well. He was a fantastic Bruin. Vancouver presents a great opportunity for him, as well as for Danton and Derek. Some have joked that maybe a trade would have been simpler.”
Overall, while DeBrusk’s departure signals a shift for both player and team, it underscores the dynamic nature of NHL roster management and the personal and professional growth opportunities inherent in free agency.
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