Jake DeBrusk reveals how many times he asked to be traded

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Josh Tupper
July 19, 2024 (4:52 PM)

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Jake DeBrusk Reveals Multiple Trade Requests from Boston Bruins

Vancouver Canucks forward Jake DeBrusk recently opened up about his time with the Boston Bruins, revealing that he had requested a trade from the team on more than one occasion. DeBrusk, who signed a significant contract with the Canucks on the opening day of free agency, shared his experiences on the Cam and Strick podcast, providing insights into his struggles and decisions during his tenure with the Bruins.

DeBrusk explained that his first trade request came in the summer, driven by his concerns about his role on the team and the direction it was heading. He felt that his initial request was not taken seriously, prompting him to reiterate his desire to be traded. Despite his efforts, DeBrusk remained with the Bruins until he rescinded his trade request in the summer of 2022. He continued to play for Boston for two more seasons before entering free agency on July 1st.

"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."

The 27-year-old forward signed a seven-year contract with the Vancouver Canucks, where he is expected to play a pivotal role in their top-six forward group. DeBrusk will join key players like Elias Pettersson, J.T. Miller, Brock Boeser, Danton Heinen, and Nils Hoglander, contributing to the team's quest for success.

DeBrusk's move from Boston to Vancouver as a free agent appears to be the right decision for his career. Despite overcoming his initial struggles in Boston with the support of his teammates, transitioning to a new market with the Canucks will provide him with fresh opportunities. As part of a promising Vancouver squad, DeBrusk will now aim to help the team pursue a Stanley Cup victory.