Jake DeBrusk Joins the Canucks, Bringing Mixed Emotions
In February, Sportsnet’s Louie DeBrusk interviewed his son Jake, then with the Boston Bruins, at Edmonton’s Rogers Place. Jake ended the interview with a heartfelt, “Thanks, dad. I love you.” Jake, a hometown favorite who grew up an Edmonton Oilers fan, has now signed a seven-year, $38.5 million contract with the Vancouver Canucks, sparking mixed feelings among fans, especially after last spring’s intense seven-game playoff series.
Parting Ways with the Bruins
Although DeBrusk, 27, performed well in the playoffs with 11 points in 13 games and a solid overall record, the Bruins didn’t push hard to retain him. Reflecting on his time in Boston, where he played for seven years, DeBrusk admitted that the situation had become difficult. He hinted that it was time to move on, despite his love for the city. His decision to join Vancouver also aligns well with his personal life, as his girlfriend, Mia, is in medical residency in Calgary.
Settling into Vancouver
DeBrusk is gradually adjusting to his new team, the Canucks, where he will continue to wear number 74, as he did with the Bruins. Although it still feels surreal, he has started looking for a house in Vancouver and has visited the rink. The team’s colors remind him of his junior hockey days in Swift Current. He briefly considered wearing his father’s old number, 29, but decided against it since his father never played for Vancouver.
An Emotional Connection to the Oilers
During the playoffs, DeBrusk found himself divided as his Bruins were facing Florida while the Oilers were battling Vancouver. Having grown up in Edmonton, he understands the intensity of the rivalry. Watching Game 7 brought back memories of attending Oilers games as a child, including a significant victory against Detroit in 2006. Despite his new allegiance, DeBrusk was rooting for the Oilers in their Game 7, especially after Florida had knocked the Bruins out.
He empathized with Oilers captain Connor McDavid, who chose not to collect the Conn Smythe Trophy after their loss, understanding the emotional toll of such a defeat.
Looking Ahead in Vancouver
DeBrusk is likely to play alongside either Elias Pettersson or J.T. Miller. He anticipates a strong season, particularly if paired with Pettersson, whom he regards as a top talent.
A Global Hockey Perspective
Perry Pearn, now coaching China’s national team, continues to make an impact in international hockey. After successful stints with Japan and Italy, he’s now focusing on developing China’s homegrown players. Meanwhile, former Oilers player Matt Benning is recovering well from hip surgery, and Reid Schaefer, another Edmonton native, is working on his game in the AHL.
Other Notes
Former Oilers president Bob Nicholson is involved in Olympic qualifying in Denmark, while local talent continues to shine on various stages, including Auston Matthews, who recently trained with the Munich Red Bulls. The article also notes the stark contrast in pay between the NBA and NHL, highlighting Steph Curry’s new $66 million contract compared to Leon Draisaitl’s eight-year, $86 million deal.
