Jake DeBrusk Opens Up on Turbulent J.T. Miller-Elias Pettersson Rift in Vancouver

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.