Jake DeBrusk Responds After Criticism from Canucks Head Coach Rick Tocchet
Vancouver Canucks forward Jake DeBrusk has finally spoken out after being publicly called out by head coach Rick Tocchet for his underwhelming recent performances.
The critique, which followed Vancouver’s 4-1 home loss to the Dallas Stars on Sunday, sparked a discussion about player accountability and expectations within the Canucks’ locker room.
DeBrusk’s Ice Time Declines as Tocchet Demands More
During Sunday’s defeat, DeBrusk’s ice time dropped to under 13 minutes, marking only the second time this season that his playing time had been reduced so significantly. The decision was not an accident—Tocchet made it clear that DeBrusk, along with struggling goal-scorers Elias Pettersson and Brock Boeser, needed to earn their minutes on the ice.
After the game, Tocchet didn’t mince words when addressing the situation with reporters:
“You’ve got to earn your ice time around here. That’s how you win. So you guys can stir it up all you want, but you have to earn your ice time. That’s the way it works. That’s how you win Stanley Cups.”
The coach’s statement wasn’t an outburst of frustration but rather a clear message about accountability. Tocchet, who has a reputation for being straightforward, wasn’t trying to single out DeBrusk unfairly—he was setting a standard that he expects all his players to meet.
DeBrusk Acknowledges Criticism but Feels Frustrated
On Monday, DeBrusk finally addressed Tocchet’s comments, admitting that the coach was right, even if it was difficult to hear.
“I hate to say that I agree with him because you don’t want to admit that,” DeBrusk said. “But at the same point, he’s just calling a spade a spade. You know, I was pretty pissed off, to be honest with you. Pretty embarrassed. But at the same time, I mean, I wasn’t doing enough to help the team win. And Toc’s an honest guy, an honest coach. He’s one of the reasons why I signed here.”
DeBrusk’s response was both humble and revealing. He acknowledged that his performance hadn’t been up to par and that Tocchet was simply being honest. However, his frustration was evident—he wasn’t just upset with the situation but also with himself for not contributing more.
A Line Shake-Up for DeBrusk
Initially, DeBrusk was expected to play alongside Elias Pettersson, but in the past four games, Tocchet has moved him to a line with Brock Boeser and center Pius Suter. The change in linemates signals an attempt by the coaching staff to find a combination that can help DeBrusk rediscover his scoring touch.
Tocchet Calls for “Desperation” Ahead of Key Game vs. Montreal
As the Montreal Canadiens arrive in Vancouver for a crucial Tuesday night matchup, Tocchet is making it clear that he expects more urgency from his players. With the Canucks fighting for a playoff spot, the coach emphasized the need for greater “desperation” from the team, particularly from those who have been struggling offensively.
The Canucks have endured offensive struggles for the past two months, making them one of the NHL’s lowest-scoring teams during that span. Given the team’s recent difficulties, DeBrusk’s ability to find the back of the net has become even more important.
The Pressure is On: Can DeBrusk Step Up?
For DeBrusk, the challenge is clear—he needs to contribute offensively at a higher level. His career-best season saw him score 27 goals, but with Vancouver’s scoring drought, reaching the 30-goal mark now feels more like an expectation than a personal milestone.
Despite his recent setbacks, one thing is clear: accountability is not an issue for DeBrusk. He understands the expectations set by Tocchet and appears determined to rise to the challenge. Now, the question remains—can he and his teammates respond with a stronger effort as they push for the playoffs?
