DeBrusk's stance on the Canucks' rebuild: 'Not my cup of tea'
Vancouver Canucks forward Jake DeBrusk made it clear on Monday that he's not keen on sticking around for the team's upcoming rebuild. The 29-year-old winger, who has 13 goals and 29 points in 59 games this season, is under contract until 2030-31 with a $5.5 million cap hit.
In an interview with the Vancouver Province, DeBrusk shared his thoughts on the situation: "A rebuild is tough for everyone, but it's a golden opportunity for the younger players. This game teaches us all humility, and it's been a humbling experience this year. I'm not okay with or accepting of that [rebuild]. My game doesn't align with that approach."
The Canucks are in a tricky spot, sitting at the bottom of the NHL standings and focusing on a long-term overhaul after trading star defenseman and captain Quinn Hughes earlier in the season. TSN Hockey Insiders Chris Johnston and Darren Dreger have suggested that defenseman Filip Hronek might be the only player off-limits as the rebuild commences.
DeBrusk's name appeared on the TSN Trade Bait board, ranking 31st, alongside four other Canucks players. This comes despite the team's reluctance to retain his salary. The full no-move clause in his contract will transition to a 15-team no-trade list after the upcoming season.
DeBrusk, who was drafted 14th overall by the Boston Bruins in 2015, has accumulated 179 goals and 343 points in 606 games with both the Bruins and the Canucks. In his first season with the Canucks, he set a career-high with 28 goals and 48 points in 82 games. He's achieved the 25-goal mark four times in his eight NHL seasons.
"I've been vocal about it since I joined the team," DeBrusk said. "I don't care how I perform as long as we're winning, and we haven't been winning. This year has taught me a lot about myself, both positively and negatively. It's been a rollercoaster, and it's more of a mental challenge. None of us thought we'd be in this position. But that's the reality."
As the Canucks navigate their challenging path, DeBrusk's stance highlights the complexities of player sentiment during team transitions.
