Jake DeBrusk signed a 7-year contract with the Vancouver Canucks on July 1.
Jake DeBrusk signed a 7-year contract with the Vancouver Canucks on July 1.
This offseason, one of the Vancouver Canucks' biggest goals was solidifying their top six. They achieved that by signing former Boston Bruins winger Jake DeBrusk to a seven-contract. While it is early, the signing looks like a massive win for the organization as DeBrusk is starting to build chemistry with his future linemates as well as on the power play.
Based on Training Camp and the pre-season, the plan is for DeBrusk to play beside Elias Pettersson this year. This would ensure that Pettersson has a consistent winger who can finish off chances while also being able to play sound defensively. While they are still working on their chemistry, DeBrusk is happy with the progress and ready to showcase what the duo can do this season.
"It's coming along, said DeBrusk. "You can't force chemistry, but we've connected on a couple of nice plays. I think in terms of our practicing, I think there's still a lot of room to grow. I think it's one of those things where he's such an amazing player that it's really exciting to be there, and I'm just doing anything I can to stay. I think even throughout its pre-season, I gotta get my feet moving a little bit more. I gotta push the pace and give space when we come into the neutral zone, things like that, and demand the puck a little more off initial plays. I think it will really help open space for the line. I kick it out and go to that, and that's where I'm best. Obviously, we'll see how it goes, but I'm really excited for the start."
DeBrusk is also expected to play a significant role on the power play. While the game action has been limited in the pre-season, it looks like he will be taking over the bumper spot, which has been an issue for Vancouver ever since Bo Horvat was traded. As DeBrusk explains, he is still learning how the power play operates and is ready to produce from the bumper position.
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"Yeah, I've been talking to J.T. (Miller) a lot. Honestly, it's been one of those things where it's a learning curve. I am still getting used to playing with these guys, learn their tendencies and things like that. But in saying that, J.T. is telling me where to go. Like Bo (Horvat) used to be, that's kind of what I've been hearing. I've looked up some things online; some of those goals that (Horvat) scored, he was obviously a very good player in the bumper.
While DeBrusk hasn't played the bumper position a ton in his career, he had the opportunity to learn from Patrice Bergeron, who was one of the best bumper players of the last decade. Bergeron's ability to find open ice was a big reason why the Bruins continually stayed near the top of the power play standings over his career. As DeBrusk explains, his goal is to become that go-to player in the slot and do for the Canucks what Bergeron was able to do for Boston.
"I think with anything, it takes a little bit of time and a little bit of trust, too. I think maybe burying one early would kind of help everybody. In saying that, I think that there are lots of things that you can critique. You can look up to guys I played with. One that was probably the best almost ever, if not ever played, was Bergy (Patrice Bergeron). He's probably the best bumper. He was a righty, but just remembering how he was when I was that front guy. There's a lot of different things you can think about, and when you overthink, sometimes you kind of tighten yourself up in a little bit. So, I like to keep an open mind about what I can do, but there's a lot of room to grow. To be honest, in the bumper position, you're getting the puck in between the rings, and that's pretty Grade A, and I'll take a Grade A look."
An interesting fact about DeBrusk is that he has the shortest hockey stick on the team. According to DeBrusk, his stick comes up to just above his chest, which is shorter than the recommended length, which is up to your chin while standing on your tippy-toes. As DeBrusk explains, changing his hockey stick length is something that happens frequently and even occurs during the season.
"That is true. I definitely have the shortest stick on the team. And to be honest, it never used to be like that, but I always mess around with my sticks. Not necessarily always, but if things are going well, or even just when we have skates after, I'll try different lengths out and see how it feels, just to keep my mind fresh. Obviously, it's a little bit different when you go an inch or half an inch, but it seemed to trend just more down, down, down. I think it helps me out on the walls. I think for battles, it's really good because you're pretty much forced to be in an action position. In front of the net, it's not. You're not gonna really outreach any goalie in this league. Everyone's good down low, everyone's fast. Tips as well."
When describing why he plays with a shorter hockey stick, DeBrusk pointed out that there are benefits as well as disadvantages. He also suggested playing with a longer stick on the power play to help him become a better bumper player. Ultimately, while he may have the shortest hockey stick on the team right now, that may not be the case by the end of the season.
"I'm gonna mess around a little bit again and probably go a little longer. I've noticed that even in the games, I'm missing it by just a little bit, especially on the forechecking. So there's pros and cons. It takes a little bit off your shot, too, if you cut it down a lot. It's one of those things where maybe I'll switch it up for the bumper position itself. Maybe that's something that I get a little bit of a longer stick for, so it's a bigger target, or maybe I keep it short so it's easier for little bang-bang plays. Those are things that I like to mess around with in the year. It keeps me fresh. Obviously, if something's working, I don't change it, and that's why I have a short stick."
While it is early, all signs point to DeBrusk having a strong first season with Vancouver. Based on the opportunities he will have, he should be in the 30-goal range and could surpass his career high of 50 points. Overall, this signing looks like a big win for the organization, as they may have found a long-term solution to help strengthen the wing in the top six.
