Jake DeBrusk, a former first-round pick of the Boston Bruins, confirmed his departure from the team in July 2024, signing a seven-year, $38.5 million contract with the Vancouver Canucks.
During his seven seasons with the Bruins, DeBrusk amassed 266 points, including 138 goals and 128 assists, over 465 games. He achieved the 20-goal mark three times, with his 71 goals over the previous three seasons ranking third on the team behind David Pastrnak and Brad Marchand.
Despite his offensive contributions, DeBrusk’s tenure in Boston was marked by inconsistency, with periods of goal-scoring droughts. However, he evolved into a more well-rounded player, becoming a reliable penalty killer and contributing defensively in recent seasons.
Following his departure, the Bruins faced challenges in replacing DeBrusk’s offensive output. By November 2024, the team was the lowest-scoring in the league, averaging just 2.32 goals per game, and struggled on the power play, ranking second-worst at 12.8%.
DeBrusk’s transition to the Canucks has been marked by a strong start. By November 2024, he had recorded 13 points, including five goals and eight assists, in 19 games. His performance has been a bright spot for the Canucks, contributing to their offensive depth.
Reflecting on his departure, DeBrusk acknowledged the emotional aspect of leaving Boston, stating that it was “definitely weird being back” and that he had “gone through a lot with some of the guys on the team that are still there.” He expressed gratitude for his time with the Bruins and the relationships he built during his tenure.