Vancouver Canucks general manager Patrik Allvin didn’t make any big free agent signings since joining the organization in January of 2022. That is until he signed Jake DeBrusk to a seven-year deal worth $5.5 million per season. The Canucks were coming off their best season in years and Allvin stated he wasn’t satisfied despite that standing. So, he went fishing and caught himself one of the biggest free agents in the pond. It’s a gamble but it seems that Allvin and the Canucks management believe that DeBrusk is a player that can take them over the top. But, just what is it reasonable to set as expectations for Jake DeBrusk this season?
DeBrusk in Boston
DeBrusk was drafted 14th overall by the Boston Bruins in 2015. That draft is infamous in Boston, considering the likes of Mathew Barzal, Kyle Connor, Thomas Chabot and Brock Boeser went after Jakub Zboril, DeBrusk, and Zachary Senyshyn. But out of all the three, DeBrusk has been the best for ‘The B’s.’ However, it wasn’t always smooth sailing in Boston for him.
DeBrusk struggled with inconsistency with the Bruins. Sometimes, he would go on long scoring droughts and then he went weeks scoring non-stop. He was a healthy scratch a few times in Boston, including for being late to a team meeting last season.
DeBrusk had his share of frustrations with the Bruins and so did their management and fans. In 2022, he requested a trade but later rescinded it.
While in Boston, DeBrusk managed to score at least 15 goals a season, except for the shortened 2020-21 season. The Edmonton native’s career-high in goals is 27, which he achieved in 2018-19 and 2022-23. DeBrusk also scored some big goals in the playoffs, specifically against the Toronto Maple Leafs.
Expectations for Jake DeBrusk in Vancouver
There are a lot of reasons why signing DeBrusk was the right move for the Canucks. He is a proven top-six forward. Despite the inconsistencies, he knows how to score, especially around the net. In head coach Rick Tocchet‘s system, he wants players who can win puck battles, especially in the offensive zone and around the net. Fortunately for Tocchet, DeBrusk does all of those. Plus, he is also decent in the defensive zone, so that’s a bonus.
The Canucks haven’t signed a high profile agent for years. (If you can call DeBrusk that designation.) The last time they did was signing Loui Eriksson in 2016, who ironically was a former Bruin. Of course, Canucks fans don’t want to talk about that signing either.
Anyway, now that he is a Canuck, playing closer to his home, just what are the expectations for Jake DeBrusk? They certainly are high. It would not look good at all if DeBrusk underperforms.
However, there are a lot of reasons why he can succeed in Vancouver. He is coming into a new environment and a fresh start under a system that suits him. Plus, there is a quality in the team around him with forwards such as J.T. Miller, Boeser, and Elias Pettersson.
Can Debrusk and Pettersson Be a Dynamic Duo?
Speaking of Pettersson, it seems very likely that he and DeBrusk will at least start the season on the same line. Despite his 89-point regular season, Pettersson’s disappointing second half of 2023-24 and his playoff performance are what is remembered. The pressure on him is high especially as his eight-year contract worth $11.6 million per year contract is kicking in.
However, bringing in DeBrusk may ease the pressure off Pettersson. As mentioned, DeBrusk can score and is a clear upgrade cmpared with the likes of Ilya Mikheyev and Sam Lafferty.
Putting Pettersson and DeBrusk on the same line could be a great idea in theory. With DeBrusk’s ability to win battles and score and Pettersson’s playmaking, the two of them could be a dynamic duo.
What is a good season for DeBrusk?
DeBrusk’s career-high in points is 50 points, which he achieved in 2022-23. Frankly, a good season for him should be at or above that number. 60 points seems like a reasonable goal, but don’t be surprised if he manages to get 70 and score 30 goals. There is a lot of potential for DeBrusk having a career season in Vancouver and the decision to sign him could be a good one.
Main Photo Credit: Bob DeChiara-USA TODAY Sports
