The Vancouver Canucks’ free kick was highlighted by winger Jake DeBrusk

VANCOUVER — Jake DeBrusk won’t have trouble finding roommates when he moves for the first time in his NHL career.

After all, two of his former teammates are also looking for new digs.

DeBrusk was the Vancouver Canucks’ biggest acquisition on Monday. The club signed the 27-year-old left winger to a seven-year, $38.5 million contract at the opening of the NHL’s free agent market.

“I knew I had a really good feeling about them,” DeBrusk said of Vancouver. “It was very interesting. I can’t wait to get to town and I can’t wait to get started. I feel very fortunate and honored to become a Vancouver Canuck.”

DeBrusk had 40 points (19 goals, 21 assists) in 80 games for the Bruins last season, then had five more goals and six assists in 13 playoff appearances.

Originally selected 14th overall by Boston in the 2015 draft, the 6-foot-1, 198-pound forward spent all seven seasons of his NHL career with the Bruins, recording 138 goals and 128 assists in 465 games. regular season games.

He will be joined by former Bruins forward Danton Heinen and defenseman Derek Forbort, who both signed with the Canucks on Monday.

Heinen, 28, signed a two-year, $4.5 million contract, and Forbort, 32, signed a one-year, $1.5 million deal of dollars.

Boston, meanwhile, signed former Vancouver player Nikita Zadorov to a six-year deal. $30 million deal and signed former Canucks center Elias Lindholm to a seven-year, $54.25 million contract.

Seeing five players move between two teams is “very unusual,” Canucks general manager Patrik Allvin said, but the two teams have some similarities in their cultures and playing styles.

“In my opinion, I think Boston has been a top team in terms of the culture, the standard, the system over the years,” he said.

“I think (the new players) were extremely excited to come here and have a chance to continue to build on what we finished last year, and the players that we have in the core excites a lot of players.”

Heinen contributed 17 goals and 19 assists in 74 games for the Bruins last season.

The 6-foot-2, 195-pound forward is originally from Langley, B.C., just outside of Vancouver, and said signing with the Canucks means putting on the jersey of the team he grew up cheering for.

“For me, it means a lot to play close to home,” he said. “It’s something I’ve always wanted to do. It’s a passionate fan base and that’s something you want to play with. Also, the team. I feel they are a competitive team and not far from winning. And that’s exciting.”

Forbort also saw possibilities in Vancouver’s roster, especially after the Canucks finished atop the Pacific Division last season and battled through two tough playoff runs before falling to the Edmonton Oilers in a series seven matches.

“They were a tough team to play against, they played fast, they have a lot of talent and top-end skill,” said Forbort, a veteran player who contributed four assists in 35 games for Boston last season.

“I can be a nice supporting role, do my job, play my role, do whatever it takes to help the team win. That’s what I’m looking forward to.”

Heading into a new market with former teammates makes some things easier, Forbort added.

“I already texted him (DeBrusk) and said, ‘Where are you buying us a house?’ So we’ll see what he comes up with,” he said.

Vancouver also signed winger Keifer Sherwood to a two-year, $3 million contract on Monday.

The 6-foot, 194-pound Columbus, Ohio native had 10 goals and 17 assists in 68 games for the Predators last season — and proved to be a nuisance when Vancouver faced Nashville in the first round of the postseason.

“I think for me it was just about identity and finding the right fit. Obviously I got a little bit closer in the playoffs,” Sherwood said. “So when it’s all said and done, that’s what makes me excited to be in this group. There are a lot of special things brewing and I definitely want to be a part of it.”

After losing Zadorov’s size on the blue line, the Canucks brought in defenseman Vincent Desharnais for two years and $4 million.

The 28-year-old from Laval, Que., solidified his role as an NHL player last season, recording a goal and 11 assists with 54 penalty minutes in 78 games for the Oilers.

The Canucks believe the 6-foot-7, 226-pound defenseman has more to offer, Allvin said.

“He hasn’t been in the league for a long time,” the general manager said. “I think with the coaches I have here, Adam Foote and Sergei Gonchar, I think I can help him get to the next level.”

Vancouver also acquired goaltender Jiri Patera on a two-year deal and added former Arizona Coyotes forward Nate Smith on a one-year, two-part deal.

The Canucks made another round of signings ahead of free agency, inking veteran defenseman Tyler Myers, big-bodied wing Dakota Joshua and forward Teddy Blueger to new deals.

“I think we were pretty good here today in terms of money management and hopefully getting good value out of the players we got here,” Allvin said.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published on July 1, 2024.

Gemma Karstens-Smith, Canadian Press