DeBrusk signs 7-year, $38.5 million contract with Canucks

Jake DeBrusk signed a seven-year, $38.5 million contract with the Vancouver Canucks on Monday. It has an average annual value of $5.5 million.

The 27-year-old forward had 40 points (19 goals, 21 assists) in 80 regular-season games for the Boston Bruins last season, and 11 points (five goals, six assists) in 13 Stanley Cup Playoff games.

"They were very aggressive,” DeBrusk said. “I had a really good feeling about them and we were talking and things of that nature and things were looking like they were going to hopefully go in the right direction.

“And it's funny … I woke up pretty early today and it felt like a pretty normal day, and then as soon as got the confirmation that I was coming here I've been overwhelmed for the whole day. It's been really exciting and it's something I just can't wait to get to the city, and I can't wait to get started. I feel very, very lucky and honored to be on the Vancouver Canucks.”

Selected by Boston in the first round (No. 14) of the 2015 NHL Draft, DeBrusk has 266 points (138 goals, 128 assists) in 465 regular-season games and 47 points (27 goals, 20 assists) in 86 playoff games.

“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," Canucks general manager Patrik Allvin said." What I've seen over the years, I think Jake has consistently been able to elevate his game in the playoffs. 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]."

DeBrusk's name was the subject of trade rumors ahead of the 2024 NHL Trade Deadline and through much of his stay in Boston.

He said he's happy to know he will be in Vancouver for the next seven seasons.

"It's been a little soupy, I'm not going to lie," DeBrusk said. "It's been pretty intense. It's one of those things where you never like hearing it. It's one of those things wehre it's on your mind constantly. But at the same time, now I'm moving forward. Knowing I'm going to be in Vancouver and having stability is something I've never had. It's something I'm just lucky and fortunate to be in the position."

The Canucks also signed forward Danton Heinen to a two-year, $4.5 million contract ($2.25 million AAV), forward Kiefer Sherwood to a two-year, $3 million contract ($1.5 million AAV) and defenseman Vincent Desharnais to a two-year, $4 million contract ($2 million AAV).

Heinen had 36 points (17 goals, 19 assists) in 74 regular-season games and one assist in eight playoff games for the Bruins last season. The 28-year-old has 212 points (87 goals, 125 assists) in 487 regular-season games with the Bruins, Anaheim Ducks and Pittsburgh Penguins, and 13 points (six goals, seven assists) in 48 playoff games.

“Being local, being from around here and watching the team growing up, it’s obviously a place I wanted to play one day," said Heinen, who is from Langley, British Columbia. "And then just the whole way the team’s looking, the culture, the people, that’s something they’re growing here that I wanted to be a part of.

“To me, it does mean a lot to play close to home. It’s something I’ve always wanted to do. It’s a passionate fan base, and that’s something you want to play in front of. Also the team. I feel like it’s a team that’s competitive and not far away from winning. And that’s exciting.” 

Sherwood had 27 points (10 goals, 17 assists) in 68 regular-season games and scored one goal in six playoff games with the Nashville Predators last season. The 29-year-old has 58 points (24 goals, 34 assists) in 187 regular-season games with the Predators, Ducks and Colorado Avalanche, and two points (one goal, one assist) in eight playoff games.

Desharnais had 11 points (one goal, 10 assists) in 78 regular-season games for the Edmonton Oilers last season and one assist in 16 Stanley Cup Playoff games. The 28-year-old defenseman has 16 points (one goal, 15 assists) in 114 regular-season games with the Oilers, and three assists in 28 playoff games.

NHL.com independent correspondent Kevin Woodley contributed to this report