Jake DeBrusk Opens Up on Turbulent J.T. Miller-Elias Pettersson Rift in Vancouver
PUBLICATION
Tom Banks
August 30, 2025 (4:59 PM)
Photo credit: Causeway Crowd
The Vancouver Canucks were hit with locker room drama last season with Pettersson and Miller, and now Jake DeBrusk has opened up on being at the centre of it.
Last season was a disaster for the Vancouver Canucks, as they dealt with injuries, inconsistency on the ice, but most of all, the heated feud between
J.T. Miller and
Elias Pettersson that almost tore the locker room apart.
Before the trade deadline, the Canucks moved out Miller to the New York Rangers, hoping to clear the tension that was in the air, and heading into 2025/26, there's renewed optimism within the organization.
Inside DeBrusk's First Year With the Canucks Amid Locker Room Tension
One player that was caught in the middle of this was free agent signing Jake DeBrusk, who didn't expect to be dealing with all of the drama after signing a free agency deal with the Canucks.
I have the perfect excuse. I wasn't there that long. I don't know everything... J.T. had me over for dinner a couple of times, and I love him a lot. I was sitting beside Petey in the dressing room, and we hung out a lot. It became a thing where I was almost the middle man.
In all fairness I wish the best for J.T. and his family; they welcomed me. For me it's unfortunate; I wanted to play longer with them, but it's not my decision. Trades happen all the time. Yeah, it was a crazy time.
When
asked about the situation, DeBrusk reveals his close friendship with Miller that blossomed last season, all while being next to Pettersson in the locker room, making it a very crazy and awkward situation.
How Vancouver Plans to Move Forward Without J.T. Miller's Production
Now, the team are ready to move on from the drama, and after adding
Evander Kane to the roster, hopes are that this new locker room can gel under Adam Foote as they look to get back into Stanley Cup Playoffs contention.
Only time will tell if that's possible, but right now optimism is high heading into the new season, and with a very talented group, the Canucks are a team to watch in the Western Conference.
Previously on HouseOfHockey
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AOUT 30 | 741 ANSWERS Jake DeBrusk Opens Up on Turbulent J.T. Miller-Elias Pettersson Rift in Vancouver Will the Canucks bounce back and make the post-season this year? |
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