Jake DeBrusk 'pissed off' after being made a healthy scratch.

The Vancouver Canucks appear to be attempting to light a fire under Canucks forward Jake DeBrusk and, if DeBrusk is to be taken at his word, it seems to be working.

On Sunday, Canucks head coach Adam Foote announced that DeBrusk would be sidelined for Monday's clash against the Seattle Kraken, not due to injury or illness but rather because Foote was making DeBrusk a healthy scratch.

"We had a good talk with Jake," said Foote on Sunday. "He had a lot going well for him, just couldn't get it in. He's been a little bit stale as far as chances 5 on 5, I think it's going to be a good reset for him."

DeBrusk didn't shy away from the media after the news was made public and instead admitted that he wasn't happy with the decision.

"It sucks, it's embarrassing," said DeBrusk immediately after being asked about the healthy scratch. "Any time you miss a game it's embarrassing. I'd be wrong if I wasn't saying I'm pretty pissed off right now."

Although DeBrusk expressed his displeasure with the decision, he also admitted that he understood why it was being made.

"I understand, I need a jolt, obviously I haven't been good enough." admitted DeBrusk. "I gotta control what I can do from this point forward and just worry about me."

The man making the decision is of course an Olympic gold medalist and two-time Stanley Cup champion with over 1000 games of NHL experience under his belt, factors that likely make it considerably harder for DeBrusk to object to.

While the Canucks aren't happy with DeBrusk's performance, the forward's harshest critic may be himself.

"I've been known my whole career as a 5 on 5 contributor and it hasn't come," said DeBrusk. "It's been probably the most frustrating year of my career by far."

Over 37 games this season DeBrusk has just 9 goals and 8 assists for a total of 17 points, and currently boasts a plus minus rating of -9 on the season.

DeBrusks next chance to get back in the lineup will be Tuesday when the Canucks face the Philadelphia Flyers.

You can hear Foote and DeBrusk's full comments in the video below: