Boston Bruins Left Wing Jake DeBrusk is on the verge of free agency. DeBrusk just completed the final year of his contract, but the Edmonton, Alberta native and the Bruins have not made any substantial progress toward a new deal.
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DeBrusk has had an up-and-down 7-year career in Boston. “JD” was a complimentary piece as a 22-year-old when the Bruins went to the Stanley Cup Final in 2019. DeBrusk asked for a trade a few years later amidst some turmoil with then Head Coach Bruce Cassidy, only to rescind that request at the beginning of the 22-23 season and proceeded to have the best year of his career as the Bruins rolled through a historic regular season to the President’s Trophy. This past season wasn’t as kind to the Bruins winger as his production fell off, and his points per game dropped from .78 in 22-23 to only .50 last year. The 27-year-old forward was expecting a contract to be finalized with Boston before the season ended but with nothing on the horizon, DeBrusk may have to look elsewhere. Here are some potential landing spots for the streaky winger:
Boston Bruins
The Bruins and DeBrusk would both like to get a deal done, BUT their ideas of Jake’s market value are not in the same ballpark. The Bruins and DeBrusk’s agent have held firm in negotiations, and as the clock ticks toward free agency, the Bruins winger will have plenty of suitors to choose from. Will the teams courting DeBrusk offer him more than Boston? Will DeBrusk take less to go somewhere else for a fresh start? In all probability, a deal probably still gets done in Boston for six years and $5-6 million per year.
Toronto Maple Leafs
If the Bruins aren’t careful and continue to play hardball with DeBrusk, he could slip right through their fingers into the arms of a division rival. Toronto and DeBrusk have shown mutual interest in each other lately. DeBrusk streaking down the wing and scoring goals for the Leafs instead of against them has got Toronto GM Brad Treliving dreaming of better days ahead. DeBrusk has been a thorn in the side of Leafs fans for years. “JD” has helped eliminate Toronto from the playoffs on multiple occasions. It would be a nice twist for the fans in Maple Leaf Nation to watch DeBrusk do it to the Bruins for a change.
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Edmonton Oilers
Would Jake like to go home to play in Edmonton in front of his Dad and family? Yes. Would he like to play with Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl? No brainer. Would he like to play for a Stanley Cup contender? Of course. Edmonton checks all the boxes for DeBrusk; there are a lot of positives and very few negatives. The only potential negative about returning home to play at Rogers Place could be the pressure to perform in his hometown. As a local who grew up in the area, there would be a lot of stress and anxiety about living up to the contract and meeting the fanbase’s expectations. If DeBrusk leaves the Bruins for Edmonton, there is a genuine possibility that DeBrusk will score 40 goals and have a career year.
Nashville Predators
Nashville isn’t afraid to make moves. The Preds have money to spend, and GM Barry Trotz wants to improve a team with a strong core group of players (Filip Forsberg, Roman Josi, and Juuse Saros) to build around. DeBrusk would fit well in the Predators locker room as another core piece. Nashville is on the upswing, the city is booming, country music has never been more popular, and the Preds have a loyal, passionate fanbase that could entice a young 27-year-old to want to spend his prime years in Smashville.
Utah Hockey Club
The Utah Hockey Club has a few things going for them as they try to lure free agents to Salt Lake City. First, Utah has more money to spend on free agents than any team in the NHL. Second, Utah has more money to spend on free agents than any team in the NHL. Yes, it’s that important. Teams around the league cannot outspend Utah for free agents. Will players want to play in Utah? Utah can sell players like DeBrusk on the young talent on the roster, a fresh start, and the ability to get in on the ground floor as the Utah Hockey Club tries to build itself into a perennial playoff team. DeBrusk’s playoff experience and being around the culture in Boston could go a long way toward helping Utah achieve those goals.
