It appears that the Maple Leafs are interested in the Bruins' top free agent.
July 1 is coming up quickly, and the Boston Bruins have still not re-signed top unrestricted free agent Jake DeBrusk. If they do not come to terms on a new deal soon, the 2015 first-round pick will have the opportunity to test the market, where he will undoubtedly receive much interest.
It appears that one of the Bruins' biggest rivals has an interest in DeBrusk - the Toronto Maple Leafs.
In a recent column for the Toronto Star, Nick Kypreos had this to say on the matter:
"There's word they may have interest in pending Bruins free agent Jake DeBrusk, who's been a Leafs playoff killer over the years."
It is not surprising that the Maple Leafs are suspected of being interested in DeBrusk. Like DeBrusk, Maple Leafs forwards Tyler Bertuzzi and Max Domi have expired deals. If one or both of them leave, they must be replaced. DeBrusk would be an excellent option for the Maple Leafs in this scenario.
There is no question that the Maple Leafs could use a forward like DeBrusk in their lineup. Due to his ability to play both wings, he would fit virtually anywhere in the Maple Leafs' top six if signed. He could also thrive playing on a line with Maple Leafs star William Nylander.
It would undoubtedly sting if the Bruins lost DeBrusk to the Maple Leafs. DeBrusk is a high-impact player when he's on his game, and he would be in a position to succeed playing with the stars in Toronto. That would be less than ideal for Boston.
However, if DeBrusk hits the market, the Leafs won't be the only team interested. When noting that the 2015 first-round pick is a top-six forward with multiple years left in his prime, he will be a hot commodity on July 1 if the Bruins don't re-sign him. Let's see if Boston can avoid this scenario and get him inked to a new deal from here.
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