*Photo from the Hockey Writers*
The Canadian kid is coming closer to home. The Vancouver Canucks and forward Jake DeBrusk have agreed to a 7 year, $38.5 million contract, according to an announcement by the Canucks.
DeBrusk said of the signing that "I woke up pretty early today and it felt like a pretty normal day, and then as soon as got the confirmation that I was coming here I've been overwhelmed for the whole day. It's been really exciting and it's something I just can't wait to get to the city, and I can't wait to get started. I feel very, very lucky and honored to be on the Vancouver Canucks."
A first round draft choice of the Boston Bruins in 2015, DeBrusk leaves the only team he's ever played for and heads closer to home. Originally from Edmonton, Alberta, DeBrusk will give the Canucks middle 6 forward group a shot in the arm, providing solid scoring depth for the team.
The contract for DeBrusk is a big one by the Canucks. He gets a full no movement clause for the first 3 seasons and a modified no trade clause in the form of a 15 team no trade list for the final 4 seasons. He makes $5.5 million annually in his new deal and has $15 million allocated to signing bonus money spread over 6 seasons.
Last season was DeBrusk's 7th with the Bruins at the NHL level. He had a solid season, producing 19 goals and 21 assists for 40 points, averaging 16:50 of ice time per game to go with a +4 rating in 80 games. He racked up 5 goals and 6 assists in 13 playoff games.
DeBrusk had been swirled around in trade rumors in recent years. In 2021-2022, he reportedly requested a trade from the Bruins when Bruce Cassidy was still head coach. His name also appeared in trade rumors during the past trade deadline, but no deal ever materialized.
Vancouver GM Patrik Allvin said of DeBrusk that "I think Jake, obviously coming from a good program there in Boston, we like his speed, his versatility, plays both special teams, the experience of playing in the playoffs. What I've seen over the years, I think Jake has consistently been able to elevate his game in the playoffs. He is a responsible two-way guy, and I envision, unless Rick finds different line combinations, but I envision him starting with Pettersson."
Over 7 years with the Bruins since debuting in 2017-2018, DeBrusk has 138 goals and 128 assists to his name, averaging 15:47 of ice time per game while recording a +51 rating in 465 regular season games. He has an additional 27 goals and 20 assists in 86 playoff games.
DeBrusk is expected to slide in on Elias Pettersson's wing for the Canucks for the foreseeable future as they look to make the jump from a breakout season that saw them make the second round of the playoffs, losing that round in 7 games to the Edmonton Oilers.
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