On Day 1 of free agency, the Bruins lost two longtime players: Jake DeBrusk signed with the Vancouver Canucks and Matt Grzelcyk signed with the Pittsburgh Penguins. Charlie McAvoy, who has been teammates with both players since entering the league during the 2017-18 season, took to Instagram to send a meaningful tribute to two of his closest friends. “My day one’s right here,” McAvoy wrote the post, which included photos of the trio. “From 2017 to now, I can’t believe how quickly time passes. Never took for granted the opportunity to play alongside two of my dearest friends.
“This game brings so many people into your life and although that may not last forever, the friendships always do,” according to the post. “I am grateful for all the memories that will last a lifetime. I know you’ll both accomplish incredible things in the next chapter! Two wonderful brussels. #Bino #GeorgeThanos @matt.grzelcyk @jdebrusk.”
DeBrusk signed a seven-year contract with the Canucks after spending the previous seven seasons with the Bruins. Grzelcyk, meanwhile, has signed a one-year contract with Pittsburgh. The defenceman endured the worst season of his career in 2023-24 and will now try to rebound and assist the Penguins return to the playoffs. McAvoy did, however, gain a new colleague on the blue line when Boston inked Nikita Zadorov to a six-year contract this week.
