Jake DeBrusk experienced his share of bumps in the road as a Bruin, to be sure. But when it was time to say goodbye to his time in Boston, it was not easy for him.

DeBrusk, who signed a seven-year contract with the Vancouver Canucks that will pay him $5.5 million, will make his first visit to the Garden in an enemy uniform on Tuesday. He spoke about his divorce from the team that drafted him 14th overall in 2015 on Monday after the Canucks’ practice at Agganis Arena.

He had some initial conversations on an extension with the B’s during last season but the talks never came close to consummation. And when the Florida Panthers ousted the B’s for the second straight year, DeBrusk knew his time in Black and Gold was over.

“I didn’t want to be believe it, really, but it was probably when we lost. I knew it was over at that point,” said DeBrusk Monday. “I didn’t know for sure, but I just thought they wouldn’t do anything different, which they didn’t really. At that point with the decision, you move on, right? But it was tough. It’s tough always with losses but that one was one where I knew inside.”

The talented and speedy DeBrusk’s production may not have been consistent enough for some Bruins’ fans over the years. He also butted heads with former coach Bruce Cassidy, to the point where he at one point requested a trade.

But there were plenty of good moments as well. There was his winning goal in Game 7 against Toronto in his rookie season in 2018. He twice scored 27 goals in a season, including in 2022-23 when he missed a month with a broken leg. And on the NHL Network, you’ll still see the clip of him scoring his first career goal at the Garden and his father, former NHLer Louie, wiping away a joyful tear.

Those moments are indelible, and the separation was difficult for DeBrusk.

“Oh yeah,” said DeBrusk. “I went though a lot with some of the guys on the team that are still there. It kind of brings back everything. It closes a chapter of your life. You try to look at it from the other side, but at the same point, it’s also excitement. It’s been an exciting second chapter for me in terms of my career here in Vancouver. I feel like I made the right decision for myself and my future. And the guys here have been great. But it definitely wasn’t a hoorah moment if I’m looking back at it. We have emotions. We’re people.”

DeBrusk met with some former teammates on Sunday and was planning to meet with a few more on Monday.

“Just catching up with guys I played with for pretty much my whole adult life,” said DeBrusk. “It’s weird not having certain guys around. I made some great friendships. It’s nice to see them and have a couple of laughs and get a good dinner.”

One of the guys that he was closest to was Brandon Carlo, another member of the 2015 draft class

“I loved having him here in this locker room,” said Carlo. “He was a guy I kind of came into this league with. He’s definitely a good friend of mine and there’s a lot of love there. But (Tuesday) on the ice, it will be interesting to see him in a different uniform, for sure. But when it comes to the game, we’re all competitors.”

DeBrusk’s persona in the B’s dressing room was that of the perpetual little brother. He’s expecting to hear it – and maybe feel it – when the puck is dropped.

“There’s probably some guys who’ll take some punishment out on me for all the times that I was so annoying for them, I guess. You never know,” he said with a laugh.

Said Carlo: “There’s plenty of criteria to chirp him with so we’ll be giving it to him a little bit, but I’m sure he’ll have a smile on his face to respond.”

If DeBrusk’s history is any indication, he might be a handful for the Bruins on Tuesday. While he’s been slow to heat up this season, he’s always been a streaky scorer. On Saturday in Ottawa, he had two goals and an assist in the Canucks’ 4-3 win.

Vancouver coach Rick Tocchet, who thinks his player is on the cusp of breaking out, believes communication will be key in getting the most out of DeBrusk.

“I hear ‘inconsistent’ a lot – and it’s my job to make him consistent. So how do you do that? For me, it’s talking to him a lot, show him video and on the bench. That’s something I’ve tried to do more and more as the season’s gone on,” said Tocchet.

DeBrusk would like nothing more than to continue a heater at the Garden.

“I hope so, I’m not going to lie to you,” said DeBrusk. “The bunches have come and gone a little bit. To be honest, I’ve had more success on the road than at home for me (as have the Canucks in general, with a 7-1 road mark). It’s still so early. We’re only (19) games in, but hopefully it keeps going in a winning cause.” …

Monty moves on

Jim Montgomery began his career as Blues head coach on Monday at Madison Square Garden.

“I texted Monty (Sunday) and wished him congratulations,” said new B’s coach Joe Sacco. “I think I said the other day he’s going to land on his feet and obviously he did very quickly I’m very happy for him and his family, especially the fact that that’s basically their home and they’re going back home. It’s a great opportunity for him.” …

On the Marc?

Sacco didn’t announce any lineup changes for Tuesday, though Marc McLaughlin was alternating with John Beecher on the fourth line. Whether it’s Tuesday, Wednesday on Long Island or beyond, Sacco said there’s been discussion about getting him in a game. Not only did he score goals in five straight games, his checking game has been on point in Providence.

“Marc’s deserved an opportunity to be here,” said Sacco.