Jake DeBrusk explains why he left Boston for Vancouver

The Jake DeBrusk era with the Boston Bruins came to a close yesterday afternoon at the start of the NHL free agency period, as he agreed to a seven year, $38.5 million deal with the Vancouver Canucks that will see him get paid an AAV of $5.5 million a season. 

It finally brought to an end the speculation of where he could continue his career, something that he admitted during last season that was on his mind. Leaving Boston wasn't an easy decision, but he credits the "aggressive" approach of the Canucks that made his choice easier. 

“It’s been a crazy process, obviously, free agency and going through it for the first time,” DeBrusk explained of his decision. “But in saying that, in terms of obviously being in Vancouver, they were very aggressive. I knew I had a really good feeling about them. We were talking and things of that nature and things were looking like they were going to hopefully go in the right direction.

“It’s funny, I woke up pretty early today and felt like a pretty normal day and then as soon as I kind of got the confirmation that I was coming here, I’ve been overwhelmed throughout 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 lucky and honored to become a Vancouver Canuck.”

Meanwhile, Bruins general manager Don Sweeney had the following message for his now-former player.

“I wish Jake well,” Sweeney said. “Obviously, was a tremendous Bruin. Great opportunity for him in Vancouver as well as Danton and Derek. Somebody tweeted out maybe we should have just made a trade, it would have been easier.”

In 2023-24, DeBrusk scored 19 goals with 21 assists in 80 games played, while also contributing five goals and six assists in 13 postseason games.

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