I can’t continue with the Montreal Canadiens for two reasons: A highly regarded star of the Montreal Canadiens has announced their departure due to
Jake DeBrusk emerges and demonstrates his abilities to the Canucks.
With the underlying promise that he still has a lot more to offer, Jake DeBrusk is playing at his highest level since joining the Canucks in the offseason.
The Vancouver Canucks’ preparation for their game in Ottawa on Saturday night without players like Brock Boeser, J.T. Miller, and Thatcher Demko was already problematic. Their combined absence would jeopardize any club, since they were all essential to the run that resulted in the third-highest points total in the franchise’s history last season.
But with 7:31 left in the first period against the Senators, Quinn Hughes was given his first five-minute major and game misconduct of his NHL career, making matters worse. The Canucks had to play the remainder of the game without their greatest player thus far this season, even if no one thinks he was intentionally attempting to hurt Josh Norris because the two are close friends.
Thankfully for all parties, the Canucks rallied to maintain their incredible road record in 2024–25, defeating the Senators 4–3 and improving to 7–1-0 on the road. Despite all of their shortcomings this season, this team’s mental toughness is undeniable.
Many others were deserving of recognition, such as Erik Brännström, who did a good job covering for Hughes. Keifer Sherwood scored two points and was named the Second Star of the Game, Filip Hronek was outstanding, and Max Sasson collected a primary assist on his NHL debut.
DeBrusk demonstrates his value.
But Jake DeBrusk, who at last shown why he was signed to a seven-year, $38.5 million contract over the offseason, was the greatest Canucks player of the evening. Together with Sherwood and Elias Petterrson, he formed a new first line and was a standout member of a combination that scored seven points.
DeBrusk has had a difficult start to the season, playing in nine games in October with only four assists and no goals. However, as he becomes more accustomed to his new squad, he has started to rediscover his feet (skates) since November.
The 28-year-old still has to improve on a few aspects of his game, such as being more involved in the physical aspect of things. He did, however, elevate his game on Saturday night, scoring two goals in his first three-point effort as a Canucks player, which earned him the title of First Star of the Game.
DeBrusk played it down when asked whether he had a hunch early on that he was going to have a big night when he was interviewed by the media after the game. He stated on the team’s official website:
