This season has been a whirlwind for the Vancouver Canucks.

Coming into the year with playoff aspirations, which quickly turned into the team in last place and have been since January 9. And today, on March 3, they find themselves in 32nd with a 10-point cushion on the 31st-ranked team.

With the team announcing the transition toward a rebuild, and the trade deadline just three days away, a lot of the Canucks’ veterans have seen their names come up in various trade rumours, including Jake DeBrusk.

On Saturday, CanucksArmy asked DeBrusk about his status regarding the trade rumours with his name now being mentioned around the league by NHL insiders. And a few days later, in an article published on Tuesday morning on theprovince.com, DeBrusk was quoted as saying:

“I think a rebuild is hard for every player, but at the same point it’s a great opportunity for younger guys,” said DeBrusk. “This game humbles everybody and it’s been a little bit more than humbling this year. Obviously, that (rebuild) is not something I would be okay with or accepting.

“My game doesn’t fit that.”

Following Tuesday’s practice, a Canucks representative led off the media scrum by opening up the floor for DeBrusk to clear the air about those comments:

“I mean, honestly, that’s the reality of our situation. I think there are some things that have gotten out there. But, you know, I’m a competitive guy. I like competing in games that are meaningful. We all do. I’ve been around for a while. I played probably 80 playoff games. So, you know, I got used to it.

“In terms of the rebuild, that’s obviously the direction the organization has said [they are going in]. And, you know, when you’re 32nd place, it’s pretty self-explanatory. And, you know, as a player, my job is just being myself; work hard every single day, and honestly be there for my teammates and just be myself.

“I think some of the things I’ve been reported were, you know, I think I didn’t actually clearly extend my intent. I think five days ago, I said something that pretty much summed it up. I still believe in this group. I would sign my deal if I had the chance to now. I still believe in this group. I signed a long-term deal for a reason, and, you know, I can defend that. It’s what I believe. I don’t change my mind that fast, in three or four days. But in saying that, I take responsibility for certain things, and I just wanted to clear that up.”

Watch DeBrusk’s full availability here: