Jake DeBrusk Felt ‘Uncomfortable’ After Requesting Trade From Bruins
Former Bruins forward Jake DeBrusk entered free agency and signed with the Vancouver Canucks at the beginning of July.
DeBrusk, drafted by Boston in 2015, began his NHL career in 2017 and spent seven seasons with the Bruins.
During the 2021 playoffs, DeBrusk was a healthy scratch and, seeking a fresh start, requested a trade after the season. In November of that year, he made another trade request, which became public.
However, later in the season, DeBrusk rescinded his trade request and chose to remain with the Bruins.
Reflecting on this period during “The Cam & Strick Podcast,” DeBrusk shared his feelings about the situation.
“I asked for a trade in the summer,” DeBrusk said. “Given how the team was shaping up and where I saw myself in the lineup, and after being scratched in the playoffs, I thought it might be time for a fresh start for both sides.”
When news of his trade request leaked, DeBrusk felt nervous about facing his teammates at the rink the next day.
However, his discomfort was alleviated when his Bruins teammates quickly supported him. They understood his reasons for wanting a trade and stood by him.
“When it came out, it was very uncomfortable,” DeBrusk said. “It was tough going into the rink the next day and talking to the guys. But they had my back, they understood why I wanted a better fit for my career to have a longer and more successful NHL career.”
DeBrusk stayed with the Bruins for three more seasons, finding success with the team. In the 2021-22 season, he played 77 games, scoring 25 goals and 17 assists for 42 points. The following season, he set a career-high with 50 points from 27 goals and 23 assists in 80 games.
DeBrusk will return to TD Garden as a Canuck on November 26.
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