What Should Boston Do with Jake DeBrusk?

Bruins forward Jake DeBrusk had a very promising start in his first two NHL campaigns. Producing 43 goals and 42 assists in those two seasons, it looked as if the Bruins made the right choice by drafting him 14th overall in 2015. However, DeBrusk’s play began to slow down. In 2021, DeBrusk finished the shortened season with only 5 goals and 9 assists.

DeBrusk’s Downward Trend

As mentioned, Jake DeBrusk had a great first few seasons in Boston. While not as flashy of a young player like Islanders’ Matt Barzal, DeBrusk was getting the job done for Boston. But DeBrusk’s issue was his consistency. This downward trend began in 2019-2020 where he only scored 35 points in 65 games. For reference, in the previous season he had scored 42 points in 68 games.

Now that is not a drastic change, but what was apparent was that DeBrusk was not always playing to his potential. On his best nights, he would control the pace of the game when on the ice. While on his worst nights, it almost seemed like he was not playing at all. Being invisible is not exactly good for a player that Boston expects to be a consistent goal scorer.

With DeBrusk coming off the worst season in his young career, the Bruins have some decisions to make. DeBrusk is still a young player, the potential to be great is there. However, there does appear to be a rift in the relationship between Bruins coach Bruce Cassidy and DeBrusk. The young forward may just not fit well in Boston.

Trade or Extend Jake DeBrusk?

With only one year left on his contract, the Bruins have four main options. Extend his contract, trade him, let DeBrusk walk at the end of 2022, or let Seattle decide if they want him. Despite the trend in his play, DeBrusk is still a player with a ton of potential. If the Bruins want to make the most out of DeBrusk, they have to do so before he walks or Seattle decides that they want him.

Every NHL player has a bad season, that does not mean they can not bounce back. The Bruins’ coach, Bruce Cassidy certainly would like to repair his relationship with DeBrusk and get him back in point-scoring shape. A player like DeBrusk would be valuable to the Bruins’ depth if he can consistently produce. Extending DeBrusk’s contract would be a risk, but one the Bruins may be willing to take.

Trading DeBrusk could also prove beneficial to Boston. A player like DeBrusk would not earn Boston high draft picks or a superstar from a trade, but it can provide much needed depth. This could come in the form of a veteran defenseman to help bolster and lead the young defensive core. Whichever direction Boston takes, they would either need to protect DeBrusk from the upcoming expansion draft or make a trade before the draft happens.

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