Why Securing This Player Should Be the Bruins' Priority

Transition is the name of the game for the Boston Bruins. Bid adieu to the old guard that steered the ship for a decade and a half. Now, the spotlight pivots to fresh talents like Brad Marchand and David Pastrnak, as well as Jake DeBrusk. General Manager Don Sweeney's task is as clear as day—lay the foundation for the next era of success. He's already got key pieces in place with Pastrnak, Charlie McAvoy, and up-and-coming goalie Jeremy Swayman.

At a youthful 26, DeBrusk's journey with the Bruins has seen its share of ups and downs. From a stellar rookie season to grappling with inconsistency and trade talks, he's faced his fair share of trials. The tide turned in the 2021-22 season when Coach Bruce Cassidy paired him with Marchand and Bergeron, sparking a remarkable uptick in his performance.

The 2022-23 season heralded DeBrusk's resurgence. He racked up a personal best of 50 points (27 goals, 23 assists) in 68 games, all under the watchful eye of new head coach Jim Montgomery. But it wasn't just about the points—DeBrusk also unveiled significant improvements in his defensive game, stepping up in penalty kill situations and honing his all-around prowess.

DeBrusk's impact isn't confined to numbers. He's shown himself as a consistent 25-30 goal scorer with a blossoming defensive skill set—a rare combination. And considering his age, it's logical to expect his prime years are still ahead, making him a key puzzle piece for the Bruins.

The challenge facing the Bruins now is about striking that delicate balance. The recent contract deal for Brandon Hagel over at the Lightning sets a bar, yet the ultimate decision hinges on whether to secure DeBrusk's commitment now or let him roll the dice on his future performance.

For the Bruins, the savvy move would be to lock in DeBrusk's future sooner rather than later. His potential, offensive prowess, and growing defensive prowess make him an asset worth retaining. Though DeBrusk might not wear the elite player label, his contribution to the team's triumphs is beyond doubt. Couple that with his age hinting at untapped potential, and it's a winning equation.

With the season looming, the spotlight finds its home on DeBrusk. The Bruins are at a crossroads—invest in his tomorrow now or bide their time. The bottom line is crystal clear: keeping hold of DeBrusk could stand as a pivotal decision in maintaining the team's competitiveness and etching out its legacy in the years ahead.

As seen on sports.yahoo