It’s hard to believe that Jake DeBrusk will be entering his sixth NHL season this year. The former first-round draft pick of the Bruins will turn 26 this October, meaning he is entering what should be the prime of his career. After a rocky last few seasons, 2022-23 could be the one where DeBrusk is able to show exactly what he can do.
Does DeBrusk Have It?
The 2020 Covid bubble playoffs and the 2021 Covid shortened season were not too kind to Jake DeBrusk. Lagging behind previous season’s totals, not too many people in Boston were sick with DeBrusk fever. Especially now former coach, Bruce Cassidy, who did not shy away from acknowledging the relationship he had with the young forward. Which ultimately lead to what many believe was the reason for DeBrusk’s trade request last season.
Despite that trade request, DeBrusk had a very good 2021-22 campaign. Putting up 25 goals and 17 assists for 42 total points. This was the production DeBrusk had not shown since his rookie and sophomore seasons. DeBrusk also spent much of his time on the B’s top line with Patrice Bergeron and Brad Marchand last season. This shows that DeBrusk can hang around with some of the best players in the league.
An Opportunity For DeBrusk
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Bruce Cassidy is out, and Jim Montgomery is in for Boston’s shot caller. For DeBrusk, this means a fresh new slate to start off on. And clearly, he and his camp know this. DeBrusk did remove his trade request this offseason. Heading into what should be the final year of the Bruins’ cup window, this is the perfect season for DeBrusk to prove to the Bruins (or any other team) that he is an important piece of the puzzle. And luckily, DeBrusk already has the perfect opportunity.
Brad Marchand is set to be out for the first two months of this season. This means that the top winger on the Bruins’ top line is none other than the main subject of this article. If DeBrusk wants to show that he is a consistent top player, he needs to do so when one of the league’s best is down and out. And coming off a hot 2021-22, DeBrusk does seem prepared for the challenge.
Hi, I’m RJ Oakley, the Bruins beat writer here at Belly Up Sports. Check back here and follow me on Twitter for news and discussion on the Bs. Be sure to follow Belly Up Hockey for all your NHL needs!
