ake DeBrusk is entering his second year of a seven-year contract with the Vancouver Canucks.

He didn’t make the playoffs in his first year in Vancouver. Plus, it was a tumultuous and disappointing season for the team. But like the rest of the Canucks, DeBrusk is looking forward. Training camp, preseason, and the regular season are around the corner.

This offseason, DeBrusk has made some time for one of his hobbies: Trading. No, not stocks, Pokemon cards. DeBrusk’s favourite Pokémon is Kyogre. That is fitting because Kyogre is basically an orca, just like FIN.

But like any Pokémon trainer, DeBrusk wants to get better.

DeBrusk last season

DeBrusk has been known for being a streaky scorer. He was heavily criticized for experiencing prolonged goal droughts with the Bruins.

In his first season in Vancouver, his streakiness was evident. There were stretches where he would go seven to 10 games without scoring, most notably, he went his first nine games as a Canucks without scoring a goal.

However, he would also go on a tear. For instance, DeBrusk scored 11 goals in 10 games between November 23 and December 12.

DeBrusk played 82 games, and his 28 goals were a career high, which also led the Canucks. He also tallied 48 points, which was the second highest of his career behind 2022-23 when he put up 50 points.

The underlying numbers showed that he had a decent season. The 28-year-old was fifth among Canucks forwards at all strengths (that played at least 500 minutes in Corsi for percentage (53.98%), fourth in expected goals percentage (56.40%), and tied for second with Elias Pettersson in high danger goals percentage. (56.90%)

What could season two have in store?

It is likely that DeBrusk starts the season on a line with Pettersson.

There was hope the two of them would form chemistry after DeBrusk signed his seven-year deal last summer. However, Pettersson had the worst season of his career, and the chemistry was only shown in flashes. The two of them combined for 20 goals at 5 on 5, but also gave up 22.

Pettersson is now under the spotlight more than ever, and if he gets back to his old self, he can elevate DeBrusk’s game, too.

If not Pettersson, DeBrusk could be centred with Filip Chytil. The two of them played 19 minutes together last season. DeBrusk could also benefit if Chytil has a big year. Conor Garland, Evander Kane, and Brock Boeser are also potential linemates for DeBrusk.

DeBrusk will be hungry to break more career highs and lead the Canucks back to the playoffs. He will need to further prove he can be a reliable top-six winger for Vancouver. But for him to do that, he needs to do one thing, and it’s a tough ask.

What would be a good season for DeBrusk?

The streaky scorer reputation has been with DeBrusk throughout his career.

However, there is no better time to get rid of that label. Consistency from DeBrusk is another factor that could lead the Canucks back into the playoffs.

DeBrusk has been known for being good in the corners and around the net. Those elements create chaos in the offensive zone and create scoring chances for him and his teammates. He basically needs to turn all that up to 1000.

A more consistent DeBrusk would take this Canucks team to the next level.

A good season for DeBrusk would be him scoring 24 to 30 goals and getting 45 to 50 points. It would be a great season if he exceeded those numbers.

Canucks fans are hoping season two of DeBrusk will surpass season one.

*Advanced stats courtesy of NaturalStatTrick.