The winger is poised to hit the 30-goal mark this season in the final year of his contract.
Jake DeBrusk’s role in the Boston Bruins’ offense has become a whole lot more important these past few months.
The winger made his intention to stay in Boston clear, and now it’s all about what DeBrusk can do to tack on another productive season after his career 2022-23 performance.
DeBrusk, 26, is entering the final season of his two-year, $8 million contract that he signed in March 2022, opening the opportunity for him to be a free agent for the first time at the conclusion of the 2023-24 campaign.
“I kind of know what to expect, although it's a little bit different with now being a UFA,” DeBrusk told NHL.com’s Derek Van Diest last week. “I'm not too focused on that. I've kind of tested the waters before and I'm just going to focus on hockey."
Mar 14, 2023; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Boston Bruins forward Jake DeBrusk (74) skates against the Chicago Blackhawks at United Center. Mandatory Credit: Jamie Sabau-USA TODAY SportsWhile DeBrusk initially requested a trade out of Beantown before inking a two-year, $7.35 million deal in Nov. 2020, he has carved a consistent spot for himself within the B’s lineup and will be a key cog in the offensive machine that’s now absent of guys like Patrice Bergeron and David Krejci.
Setting a career high in points last season with 50 (27 goals, 23 assists) in just 64 games, DeBrusk is poised –– and essentially expected –– to hit the 30-goal mark this year if he remains healthy. He suffered both a hand injury and fractured fibula last season, resulting in nearly seven weeks of missed play.
Of DeBrusk’s 27 tallies, 14 were on the power play as he became a staple to Boston’s special teams, developing his defensive edge of the penalty kill as well.
Jan 2, 2023; Boston, Massachusetts, USA; Boston Bruins left wing Jake DeBrusk (74) celebrates with center David Krejci (46) after scoring a goal against the Pittsburgh Penguins during the third period of the 2023 Winter Classic ice hockey game at Fenway Park. Mandatory Credit: Paul Rutherford-USA TODAY Sports“I've knocked on the door twice with 27 (also in 2018-19), and I have 25 in there as well (in 2021-22),” DeBrusk said to NHL.com. “I think if I stay healthy, that's obviously the goal, to finally get to that 30 mark."
The Bruins will need DeBrusk to be at his best as they work to fill Bergeron and Krejci-sized holes down the middle with Charlie Coyle and Pavel Zacha.
DeBrusk is tasked with proving he can post the same numbers –– or higher –– without an All-Star center to set him up. He’ll likely land on a line with Brad Marchand and Coyle, which is not bad company, but no doubt a transition.
"There are a lot of different expectations, especially with everything that's changed with the center position," DeBrusk said to NHL.com.
Apr 23, 2023; Sunrise, Florida, USA; Boston Bruins left wing Jake DeBrusk (74) celebrates with teammates after scoring against the Florida Panthers during the third period of game four in the first round of the 2023 Stanley Cup Playoffs at FLA Live Arena. Mandatory Credit: Jasen Vinlove-USA TODAY Sports"Losing 'Bergy' and 'Krech,' those are pretty big losses. In saying that, I think there were a lot of people who didn't think we were going to make the playoffs last season, and so we're back in the same position."
The same but different. Not only will DeBrusk carry more responsibility on the ice this season, he’ll also be a critical leader in the room –– perhaps an ‘A’ will be stitched onto his sweater.
DeBrusk wants to be a Bruin for the long run and he has the chance to make a new, more expensive, contract a non-negotiable for the B’s front office if he gracefully grows into the heightened role in front of him.
"I'm hoping to stay [with the Boston Bruins]. It's the only team that I know and the team that I grew up with," DeBrusk said to NHL.com. "Hopefully it goes in that direction, and we'll see how it goes.”
