General Manager Patrik Allvin announced on Monday that the team had signed unrestricted free agent forward Jake DeBrusk to a seven-year contract worth $38.5 million ($5.5 million AAV). Earlier in May, David Pagnotta linked several teams, including the Edmonton Oilers, Toronto Maple Leafs, and Los Angeles Kings, to Jake DeBrusk.
In the end, DeBrusk finds himself in Vancouver with a significant opportunity ahead, potentially lining up alongside Elias Pettersson or J.T. Miller. During his media appearance on Monday, he subtly criticized the Bruins and other teams that didn't sign him, emphasizing his desire to join a team poised for success.
During his tenure with the Boston Bruins, the team achieved some success in the Stanley Cup Playoffs, reaching the Final in his second NHL season in 2019, only to lose to the St. Louis Blues in seven games. However, this marked the furthest DeBrusk would advance, as Boston has since seen three second-round exits and two first-round exits over the past five years.
Joining Vancouver, DeBrusk becomes part of a deep forward group, notably stronger than the one in Boston. This significantly enhances his chances of winning the Stanley Cup during his seven-year contract. Now, he must demonstrate his value to Vancouver and return to his previous form, consistently scoring 20+ goals per season.
