The Kings have shown an interest in Bruins' Jake DeBrusk as the team looks for more scoring upfront
The latest buzz in the NHL rumour mill has centred around the Boston Bruins' Jake DeBrusk, with reports linking the forward to the Los Angeles Kings.
Speculation about DeBrusk's future with the Bruins has been swirling for some time. It now seems like this off-season could finally be the time that NHL fans see him wearing a new sweater next season.
The Kings' forward group has a lot of talented players, but they lack one more true goal scorer. Yes, they have Kevin Fiala, who can score 40 goals a season, but aside from him, they don't have another one-dimensional goal scorer.
DeBrusk's fit with the Kings is perfect; he brings a combination of speed, skill, and scoring touch. He is also known for his timely goals that have secured the Bruins playoff victories in past seasons, most notably against the Toronto Maple Leafs in 2018.
DeBrusk, a former first-round draft pick by the Bruins in 2015, is set to become an UFA as of July 1 if he and the Bruins don't reach an agreement on a new deal. If they fail to do so and he is testing the open market, the Kings will be very aggressive in their pursuit of him.
The only challenge for the Kings would be the cap hit that DeBrusk would be looking for. He is coming off a two-year deal worth $8 million, with an AAV of $4 million per season. After the playoffs that he had, he will probably be asking for somewhere in the $5–$6 million range. At 27 years old, he will also likely be seeking a contract with a bit more length to it.
On the chance that he does become available, the Kings' GM, Rob Blake, should be prepared to offer him $5.5 million over five years. He could be a vital part of the team's future, and Blake doesn't want to miss out on the opportunity to sign him.