As the approaching NHL season nears, the Boston Bruins are undergoing a notable transformation following the departure of key players. Amid this transition, Jake DeBrusk, a fixture with the team for seven years, stands out as a pivotal player to watch. With the final year of his contract ahead, DeBrusk is poised to showcase his value on the ice.
DeBrusk's impact on the Bruins' offense has been consistent since his 2017 debut, amassing 119 goals and 226 points over 385 games. Despite an injury during the Winter Classic hindering his performance last season, DeBrusk matched his career-best of 27 goals. A fresh start under new coach Jim Montgomery has been beneficial, leading to increased points despite fewer games played.
Facing the challenge of filling the void left by Patrice Bergeron's retirement and David Krejci's departure, DeBrusk must adapt to new linemates. The vacant 1C role could be assumed by Charlie Coyle or Pavel Zacha. This season is vital as DeBrusk seeks a contract extension with a higher AAV than his current $4 million cap hit. Comparable players like Troy Terry and Tyler Bertuzzi set the stage for negotiations.
While the Bruins have cap space of $30.9 million, securing DeBrusk's extension during the season is strategic to prevent him from exploring unrestricted free agency. As DeBrusk's contract discussions unfold, his performance will shape the Bruins' future and his role within the team.
