Bruins GM provides update on Jake DeBrusk’s future as free agency looms originally appeared on NBC Sports Boston
Boston Bruins winger Jake DeBrusk is still out of contract beyond the 2023-24 NHL season. As a result, there’s a chance he could test the free agent market for the first time in his career in July.
“I see a path here,” DeBrusk told reporters last Sunday during the team’s media availability on break day, according to The Athletic. “I’ve been saying it all year. I still have hope. If you told me at the beginning of this year that I would be here without a contract, I probably wouldn’t believe you. At the same time, I have always enjoyed my time here.”
With no extension in place at the moment, what does the future hold for the 27-year-old forward?
“Negotiation is a two-way street,” Bruins general manager Don Sweeney said Wednesday during the team’s season-ending news conference. “We have taken an aggressive position with Jake. No different than other players who have chosen not to redraw and explore. That is his right, especially at this time of year.
“Do I see a path? Yes, there is a path. I told him that at our exits. He’s been a big part of our group. He’s risen in the playoffs. I would love to have Jake DeBrusk on our team But he did.” There is an opportunity in front of him that he could otherwise pursue. So I don’t have a straight answer for you today. But I know the position we have taken. We feel very comfortable. But it didn’t work out.”
DeBrusk’s biggest weakness as a player is inconsistency.
When he’s firing on all cylinders, the goals will come in droves. When he is cold, the goals don’t come for a long time. Frankly, he’s a much better defensive player and penalty killer now than he was earlier in his career, but DeBrusk gets paid to score goals and that’s how he can make the most meaningful impact for this team.
DeBrusk scored 19 goals in the regular season despite playing 80 games in his career. He has three 20-goal seasons under his belt since his debut in Boston during the 2017/18 season.
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His performances in the playoffs have been quite good lately. He led the Bruins in scoring with 11 points (five goals, six assists) in 13 games during the 2024 playoffs. DeBrusk scored or had an assist in five of six games against the Florida Panthers in the second round. He scored 21 points in 27 games during the Bruins’ last three postseasons.
The pros outweigh the cons in the debate over whether the Bruins should keep DeBrusk. Players with good two-way skills who can score more than 20 goals are not easy to find and not cheap to acquire. DeBrusk is inconsistent, but he has a positive impact on the game in several areas, and he has already proven to be a good fit for Boston’s system.
And the problem for the Bruins is that they already have a lack of goals on the roster. And there are no young players at the NHL level or in Providence who want to score 20 goals in Boston next season. Maybe Matthew Poitras could score 20 goals next season, but that would be asking a lot from someone with 33 NHL games in his career.
So if DeBrusk leaves on his own, the Bruins’ primary weakness would become even worse.
Of course, the Bruins shouldn’t break the bank to re-sign DeBrusk. If he wants more than $6 million per season in his next contract, it probably makes sense to look for alternatives. But with the Bruins expected to have around $21 million in salary cap space this summer, they should have enough flexibility to re-sign DeBrusk, re-sign goaltender Jeremy Swayman and make a substantial addition to the roster.
DeBrusk isn’t a perfect player, but replacing him won’t be easy if the Bruins let him leave as a free agent.
