The Vancouver Canucks are sending a clear message to their struggling roster, and veteran winger Jake DeBrusk is the first prominent name to feel its sting. Coach Adam Foote confirmed that DeBrusk will be a healthy scratch for the team's Monday night matchup against the Seattle Kraken, a significant move aimed at shaking up a slumping forward.
A Necessary Reset for a Struggling Scorer
The decision to sit DeBrusk is far from a minor lineup tweak. The 29-year-old winger, signed to provide offensive punch, has managed just one goal in his last 16 games and is mired in a 10-game scoring drought. For the season, he has only nine goals, with a mere one coming at even strength—a critical area where the Canucks rank a dismal 29th in the league with only 64 goals in 37 contests.
"Jake was great about it—he understands," Foote stated after Sunday's practice. "He's frustrated with some of the things that have been going on with him. He knows what he needs to get back to. And he's not the only one." Foote emphasized the move is a "reset" for the player, intended to help him return to the net-front presence and goal-scoring habits that defined his career-best 28-goal campaign last season.
DeBrusk's Frank Reaction to the Scratch
DeBrusk did not shy away from his disappointment, offering a candid assessment of his situation. "It sucks. It's embarrassing any time you miss a game," he admitted. "I'd be wrong to say I wasn't pissed off right now, but I understand I need the jolt."
He acknowledged this has been the most frustrating year of his career, particularly given his reputation as a consistent 5-on-5 contributor. "Eventually, you just have to do the right things, have the right details and get back to your A-B-C's," DeBrusk said, vowing to work on his consistency. He also recognized the broader implication of the coach's decision: "A lot of younger guys here and they're sending a message."
Lineup Changes and Goalie Rotation
In addition to DeBrusk's scratch, the Canucks will reinject some energy into their bottom six. Forwards Nils Hoglander and Aatu Raty will draw back into the lineup against Seattle. Hoglander, who has been pointless in five games since returning from a pre-season ankle fracture, is expected to provide pace and puck pressure. Raty brings a needed presence in the face-off circle, where he leads the team with a 60.9 percent success rate.
In goal, Kevin Lankinen gets the start in Seattle, with number-one netminder Thatcher Demko slated to face the Philadelphia Flyers at Rogers Arena on Tuesday.
Chytil's Progress and a Message to the Room
There was a positive sight at practice as center Filip Chytil participated in a red non-contact jersey. Chytil has been sidelined since October 19 with a concussion, and while there is no official timeline for his return, his presence on the ice is a promising step.
Ultimately, the DeBrusk scratch serves as a precedent. Foote made it clear that underperformance won't be tolerated, regardless of a player's stature or contract. When asked if other struggling veterans like Brock Boeser—who has one goal in his last 19 games—could be next, Foote's response was pointed: "Oh, yeah, these guys know that, and maybe they don't know that about me." The message from the coaching staff is unequivocal: compete within the team structure or be prepared to watch from the press box.
