Jake Debrusk jabs at the Bruins for how they handled and developed him

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Felip Gosselin
July 17, 2024 (8:41 PM)

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The Canucks found a way to ink one of the market's very best wingers, Jake Debrusk. While signing him may have come with a lot of competition, getting him out of Boston wasn't.

On the Cam and Strick Podcast earlier, Debrusk revealed that he asked the team's management for trades on two separate occasions, but his demands were never met. As he speaks out about it, it's clear the winger still holds a grudge. He described the sequence of events on the show:

The first trade request came in November 2021, following disappointing performances and a strained relationship with then-head coach Bruce Cassidy. DeBrusk struggled to find consistency in his game and felt that a change of scenery might be the best solution for reviving his career.

Despite the trade request, DeBrusk remained with the Bruins for the remainder of the 2021-2022 season. His play improved slightly, but the underlying issues that prompted his initial request persisted. Cassidy's coaching style, which often included public criticisms, didn't sit well with DeBrusk, contributing to his desire to leave the team.

In a surprising twist, the Bruins fired Cassidy in June 2022 and hired Jim Montgomery as their new head coach. With the coaching change, there was renewed hope that DeBrusk's situation in Boston might improve. Indeed, under Montgomery's more supportive and positive coaching approach, DeBrusk found a resurgence in his game, posting solid numbers and playing a crucial role in the Bruins' top six.

However, DeBrusk's second trade request came to light after the 2022-2023 season. This time, it was driven by a desire for a fresh start elsewhere despite his improved performance under Montgomery. DeBrusk was reportedly unhappy with how long it took for the team to address his initial concerns and felt that his relationship with the Bruins had been irreparably damaged.