Why Louie DeBrusk Believes Vancouver is the Right Fit for His Son Jake…
Jake DeBrusk, a versatile winger, has a reputation for being tough to play against, with strong defensive skills and the ability to contribute both offensively and defensively. According to his father, analyst Louie DeBrusk, Jake has a unique combination of speed, energy, and finishing ability, making him a valuable asset on the ice. Louie describes his son as “a hound” who excels in all areas of the game, including blocking shots, penalty killing, and power plays.
Jake’s connection to Vancouver Canucks head coach Rick Tocchet dates back to his childhood when he met Tocchet, then an assistant coach in Phoenix. Tocchet’s advice to always “take a piece of skin” from an opponent stuck with Jake, a mentality he may carry into the upcoming season with the Canucks. Jake, now 27, signed a seven-year, $38.5 million contract with Vancouver, where he aims to bring his grit and versatility, potentially forming a key partnership with star center Elias Pettersson.
After a rollercoaster tenure with the Boston Bruins, where he experienced both scoring streaks and slumps, Jake is excited for a fresh start in Vancouver. He learned a great deal from playing alongside veterans like Patrice Bergeron and Brad Marchand, and his experience will be crucial as the Canucks aim to build on their success from last season.
Jake’s father believes fans will appreciate his play without the puck, as well as his finishing skills. Having already established a good rapport with Pettersson during preseason skates, Jake is optimistic about his role in Vancouver and is eager to return to a 25-30 goal range. He sees this move as the perfect fit, both for him personally and for the team’s future.
Jake’s time in Boston wasn’t always smooth, particularly during the 2020-21 season when a trade request surfaced after a challenging period. However, he rebounded with a strong finish and signed a two-year extension in 2022. Now, in Vancouver, Jake feels confident and ready to make a significant impact, noting that the Canucks’ interest in him is something he takes seriously and hopes to repay with strong performances.
