Nearly three weeks after signing a seven-year deal with the Vancouver Canucks in free agency, Jake DeBrusk appeared on the ‘Cam and Strick’ podcast, where he discussed various topics, including his tenure with the Boston Bruins. During the interview, DeBrusk revealed that he had asked the Bruins for a trade on two separate occasions because he believed it was best for both parties to part ways. His future with the Bruins had become uncertain, particularly after being scratched during the Stanley Cup Playoffs several years ago, leading him to consider a fresh start elsewhere.
DeBrusk emphasized that his teammates played a crucial role in helping him navigate through those challenging times. Despite feeling ready to move on at one point, he later withdrew his trade request and remained with the Bruins for an additional two seasons before eventually departing as an unrestricted free agent on Canada Day.
“Yeah, well, I think I actually asked for one earlier. I asked for one in the summer. Just with kind of the way the team was shaping up. When it came to just where I was looking, where I could possibly play in the lineup and things like that, and kind of how the year ended. And, you know, I got scratched in the playoffs and I just thought, you know, it’s time for maybe just a fresh start for both sides. You know, obviously, I’m speaking for myself, but that’s kind of my thoughts going into the summer.” DeBrusk said.
He added, “And, you know, at that point, I just made the call just to try to get it moving forward. I didn’t think they were taking it serious. And I thought that at one point I was just playing for my career. At that point, I was just like, I think that I can add more than what is happening here. I didn’t see anything changing in a sense for my own game. My game was getting worse. I was thinking about ten different things and, you know, when it came out, it was very uncomfortable. It was very uncomfortable in the rink the next day. I talked to the guys in the room, you know, and guys that were there were the biggest reason I got out of that situation, that side of things, you know. They had my back, they were with me through it all. And they were all good with me, they understood why. They knew it was just me trying to find a better fit for my career, to have a longer NHL career and a better chance at something.”
Edmonton-born Jake DeBrusk faces a fresh challenge after seven years in Boston, now entering a Canadian market known for its highs and lows. Expected to join Vancouver’s top-six alongside Elias Pettersson, he may line up with either Danton Heinen or Nils Hoglander on the wing to start the season.
