Jake DeBrusk Felt ‘Uncomfortable’ After Requesting Trade From Bruins
Former Bruins forward Jake DeBrusk tested free agency and signed with the Vancouver Canucks in early July. DeBrusk, drafted by Boston in 2015, began his NHL career in 2017 and played seven seasons with the Bruins.
During the 2021 playoffs, DeBrusk was a healthy scratch and requested a trade for a fresh start after the season. In November, he publicly requested another trade but later retracted it, deciding to stay with the Bruins.
DeBrusk recently reflected on this period during an appearance on “The Cam & Strick Podcast.”
“I asked for a trade in the summer,” DeBrusk said. “Given how the team was shaping up and my place in the lineup, I thought it was time for a fresh start.”
After the news broke, DeBrusk felt uneasy about facing his teammates but was relieved when they supported him, understanding his desire for a better fit to extend his NHL career.
“It was very uncomfortable,” DeBrusk recalled. “But the guys in the room had my back. They understood I was trying to find a better fit for my career.”
Despite the trade request, DeBrusk stayed with the Bruins for three more seasons, finding success. In the 2021-22 season, he scored 42 points in 77 games. The following season, he achieved a career-high 50 points in 80 games.
DeBrusk will return to TD Garden with the Canucks on November 26.
