Jake DeBrusk signed a seven-year, $38.5 million with the Vancouver Canucks on July 1.
Jake DeBrusk signed a seven-year, $38.5 million with the Vancouver Canucks on July 1.
The Vancouver Canucks officially opened their 2024 Training Camp, showcasing some intriguing line combinations. As projected, the Canucks newest signing, Jake DeBrusk, started beside Elias Pettersson, with the duo being joined by rookie Jonathan Lekkerimäki. While it has only been one practice, the trio showed great chemistry, connecting on passes and creating high-danger opportunities.
When asked about Pettersson and Lekkerimäki, DeBrusk was very complimentary of his new linemates. The former Boston Bruins forward said, "He (Pettersson) feed me with a nice tapping in, I think on the first or second line rush we did. So I've been skating here for probably a week now with the guys, and I just watched him play and am trying to read off him as much as possible. Also, I can't pronounce his name. I feel bad, but that kid on the right side (Lekkerimäki) is pretty damn good too. He's got a great, wicked shot, so I'm excited to be a part of that line."
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DeBrusk and Pettersson finding chemistry is crucial if the Canucks want to have success this season. In 2023-24, Pettersson played over 100 five-on-five minutes with eight different players, with the most consistent winger being now traded, Ilya Mikheyev. With DeBrusk's ability to go to the net and finish chances, this duo is projected to be very productive for Vancouver this season.
As for Lekkerimäki, his addition to the line gives an insight into how highly the organization views him. The 20-year-old winger was electric in the SHL last season, scoring 19 goals and being named Rookie of the Year. If Lekkerimäki can show he has chemistry with DeBrusk and Pettersson once the preseason starts, he could be making his NHL debut sooner rather than later.
