Canucks' $38.5M star reveals how girlfriend's career choice brought him to rival state despite Edmonton origins

By Ankit Kumar

Modified Sep 10, 2024 18:44 GMT

Jake DeBrusk has left the Boston Bruins and signed with the Vancouver Canucks. The winger from Edmonton has also moved his off-season home to Calgary. This move is to support his girlfriend, Mia Voyatzis, who started her medical residency there on Jul. 1.

“I followed her all the way to Calgary, to the enemy zone, I guess, for an Edmonton guy,” DeBrusk said per City News. “But you’ve got just go head-first into it, right?”

DeBrusk signed a $38.5 million deal with the Canucks, making him their top summer signing. He is excited about joining the team and starting a new chapter in his career.

DeBrusk talked to a reporter on Monday in Surrey during Canucks annual pre-season golf tournament.

“Looking just at the centre position was kind of the first thing that I really looked at,” DeBrusk said. “...Rick Tocchet’s reputation, all these things come into it when you try to decide your future. I really like where the team is going. Obviously, they made some big steps last year, and I just thought that I would be able to fit in pretty well. It excited me looking at the roster... and to join a group like that, I couldn’t say no.”

He’s particularly looking forward to playing with Canucks’ star center Elias Pettersson. DeBrusk believes Pettersson's skills will be a great fit for him.

DeBrusk aims to score 25-30 goals this season. He’s started skating with Pettersson and is getting to know his new teammates.

Canucks GM Patrik Allvin happy with Jake DeBrusk's signing

Jake DeBrusk's contract with the Vancouver Canucks will run for the next seven seasons. The contract averages $5.5 million per year. DeBrusk scored 40 points (19 goals, 21 assists) and 11 points (five goals, six assists) in the playoffs for the Boston Bruins last season.

Vancouver manager Patrik Allvin praised DeBrusk for his speed and playoff experience.

“I think Jake, obviously coming from a good program there in Boston, we like his speed, his versatility, plays both special teams, [he has] the experience of playing in the playoffs," Allvin said on July 1st via NHL.com " ... He is a responsible two-way guy, and I envision, unless [Rick Tocchet] finds different line combinations, but I envision him starting with [Elias Pettersson]."

Vancouver also signed Danton Heinen to a two-year, $4.5 million contract, Kiefer Sherwood to a two-year, $3 million deal, and Vincent Desharnais to a two-year, $4 million contract.