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Canucks’ Tough Road-Trip Test Will Be Even Tougher For Jake DeBrusk

The Vancouver Canucks face one of their most grueling early-season road trips, tackling six high-caliber opponents—including the defending Stanley Cup champion Tampa Bay Lightning—before October 20. The schedule kicks off Thursday against the Carolina Hurricanes, with stops in New Jersey, New York (twice), Florida, and ultimately Tampa.

For forward Jake DeBrusk, the challenge is compounded by a lingering illness that sidelined him for the Canucks’ first two games: a 4–1 win over Calgary and a 3–2 loss to Vegas. DeBrusk revealed his flu symptoms began as early as the team’s game in Edmonton, forcing him to miss practice and games until Tuesday’s return, where he admitted his recovery hinges on regaining stamina.

Coach Manny Malhotra’s decision to end practice with a bag-skate test underscored the physical demands ahead, particularly for a player still fighting to regain his voice and full energy levels. With DeBrusk describing his season as effectively starting from scratch, the Canucks’ grueling road map adds urgency to his recovery timeline—especially as the team prepares to face elite competition without their key playmaker at full strength.

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