Jake DeBrusk Benched as Canucks Send a Clear Wake-Up Call
The Vancouver Canucks are officially pressing the reset button, and one of the biggest signs of that came at Sunday’s practice. After a rough 6–3 loss to the San Jose Sharks, head coach Adam Foote decided that change was needed, and it was made clear through some notable lineup decisions. Most surprising of all, Jake DeBrusk was scratched as a healthy extra for Monday night’s game against the Seattle Kraken, marking the first time he has been sent to the press box since joining Vancouver.
It was confirmed after practice that DeBrusk would sit, and the message behind it was described as a chance for a reset. Foote explained that a long conversation had taken place, pointing out that DeBrusk has had a lot going on and that his five-on-five chances had started to look stale. The move was framed less as punishment and more as an opportunity to regroup, but the impact was still obvious.
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For DeBrusk, the moment was clearly a tough one. He admitted openly that the situation felt embarrassing and didn’t hide his frustration, saying he would be lying if he claimed he wasn’t angry. That honesty speaks volumes about how unexpected this scratch felt, especially considering his past. The last time he was a healthy scratch was back in October 2023 with Boston, when he was benched for missing a team meeting. This time, it was purely about performance.
Despite leading the Canucks with 28 goals last season, DeBrusk’s overall impact in Vancouver has fallen short of expectations. His five-on-five production last year was closer to that of a third-line player, which didn’t align with his role or contract. This season has been even more concerning. He has managed just one even-strength goal and only four primary points at five-on-five, numbers that place him alongside defensemen and depth players rather than top forwards.
Nils Höglander is expected to step back into the lineup in DeBrusk’s place. While Höglander hasn’t recorded a point in five games since returning from a long absence, his track record at even strength has been stronger, and that may have played a role in the decision.
DeBrusk wasn’t the only veteran affected by Foote’s shake-up. David Kämpf also appears set to sit, with Aatu Räty taking his spot. Räty remains one of the team’s better even-strength contributors, while Kämpf has struggled to generate offense, recording just one point in 17 games.
For a last-place team searching for answers, these moves send a clear message. Effort, impact, and production are being demanded, regardless of reputation. Whether this reset helps DeBrusk rediscover his game remains to be seen, but for now, the Canucks have made it clear that no spot in the lineup is guaranteed.
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