By: Gayle Troiani | Follow me on Twitter @LadyBruinsFan
Unless you lived under a rock last season somewhere out in the middle of nowhere, you are aware that last season Bruins Forward Jake DeBrusk asked for a trade. You are also aware that DeBrusk signed a two-year contract extension for $8 million. Entering his sixth NHL season this year, all with Boston, DeBrusk has been streaky at regarding to offensive output, but that seems to be in the past.
Since February 24 of the 2021-2022 season, the 26-year-old winger Jake DeBrusk has solidified himself on the top line with Patrice Bergeron and Brad Marchand, proving that his speed and talent can not only help his game but provide Boston with more scoring depth with David Pastrnak playing alongside Taylor Hall and then center Erik Haula.
Fast forward to this season, Marchand has recently returned from offseason surgery, but DeBrusk started right where he left off, on the top line with Bergeron. If you want to place a wager on any upcoming hockey action this season, please check out these NHL series odds. Remember to always bet responsibly.
DeBrusk has potted five goals and five assists in 12 games this season, including a three-point night in the 5-3 win over Florida on October 17 after returning from a one-game absence due to injury. But it’s more than what’s on the scoresheet that has the coaching staff, management, and fans taking notice; it’s the play with and without the puck. It’s the work along the boards and the battles in front of the net. He’s attempted 47 shots, blocked six, and connected on 17 hits against the opposing teams. It’s everything being a Bruin is all about.
When media members brought up his trade request, DeBrusk did not engage. Instead, he wants to focus on what this season can bring for this and his team’s goals.
“I think the biggest thing for myself is confidence,” DeBrusk said following his three-point night against the Panthers. “Obviously, there is a new message, a new focus, and I think that’s it for every player, no matter what coach is there.
“But I obviously like what he is saying. It’s been working for these three games, and it’s one of those things you want to buy into and obviously make a good first impression. Then, go from there and build relationships. That’s how I kind of approach things. I think it goes around my overall game. I think last year just freed me, in general, from going through the ups and downs. It’s one of those things where it’s time to put it all together.”
DeBrusk is being called upon to help the Bruins keep pace while Marchand works his way back into the lineup, but even with Marchand returning, DeBrusk’s role should not be diminished. Besides being an offensive weapon on the top line, DeBrusk has been a staple on the second power-play unit, but unfortunately, the power play has been struggling this season, converting only four times out of 22 opportunities for an abysmal 18.18 percent. So instead of having all the offensive outlets on the first power play unit, the Bruins should look to spread the offense out over the two units.
The Bruins would probably be more successful if they rolled out their top two lines and defenseman on the power play since they are already scoring five-on-five. However, being on the man advantage doesn’t mean you have to try and create more offense when you are already leading the league in goals. DeBrusk has been creating enough scoring chances at even strength; imagine what he can do with support on the power play. Either way, if he continues playing the way he has, he is on pace to pass his career-high 27 goals and 27 assists.
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