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Post by nfld77 on Sept 3, 2023 16:19:11 GMT -5
Yes it makes perfect sense to me also to wait and see how this season unfolds..My hope is we can sign Jake longterm and sign that #1 centremen next season...Besides Pasta, he's the best pure scorer we have..To trade Debrusk for a top centreman isnt a win win situation, it's a win loss..Gotta keep Jake and find a centreman, if not through trade this season, then next season!! I'm betting on Jake potting at least 30 this season, 40 not out of reach!! If it’s Marchand Coyle and Debrusk, I can see him cracking 30 providing Coyle can have a strong faceoff percentage and providing the other line of Zacha and Pasta can draw the number 1 opposing defensive matchup. If it turns into something like JVR-Coyle-Debrusk then I don’t like his chances at all. I do agree that he’s our second best pure shooter but he can’t generate offence like Pasta, he needs skilled people around him more so than a Pasta. Yes and proof of that was his offensive numbers when he played on the 3rd and 4th line just before being moved up to top line..He was in a really bad slump for practically a season and a half..Once he was pushed up to top line, he began producing bigtime and that was mainly due to the talent around him, Marchand and Bergy!!
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Post by fforr on Sept 3, 2023 21:40:52 GMT -5
Would rather see him with Pasta and Zacha. Let’s see how bad he wants to stay here.
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Post by nfld77 on Sept 4, 2023 14:55:24 GMT -5
Would rather see him with Pasta and Zacha. Let’s see how bad he wants to stay here. Fforr,that could certainly work..Obviously you know the Bruins as well as anyone here, you've proven that over and over again..I would love your prediction on how opening night might look like IF Sweeney sticks with the group we have now..In saying that I know we're supposed to stick to the topic, being Jake, but he's a big part of opening night!! Just hope he can stay healthy for a full season..Being a contract year, he might put up 30-30 numbers or even better..If he expects to get around 6.5 on a longterm contract, this is the season to play his best hockey for sure!!
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Post by SeaBass on Sept 18, 2023 7:50:31 GMT -5
Jake DeBrusk is coming off of the best season of his career.
The fleet-footed winger has always been a productive player during his six years in Boston, tallying 119 goals and 226 points over 385 games in a black-and-gold sweater.
But the 2022-23 campaign saw DeBrusk evolve from a top-six passenger into an impact player in his own right.
Had he not missed six weeks due to a broken fibula during the 2023 Winter Classic, DeBrusk was on pace for 35 goals. Over his last 82 regular-season games (including the 2021-22), DeBrusk has potted 37 goals and 66 points.
Still just 26 years old, DeBrusk has established himself as a key cog for an evolving Bruins roster.
But given the talent drain that sapped Boston’s forward corps over the summer, the Bruins need the affable forward to be more than just a goal-scoring spark plug in 2023-24.
“He’s going into the prime of his career,” Jim Montgomery said of DeBrusk on Thursday afternoon. “I think he’s ready to be a go-to player and not a complementary player, but a player that drives the line.
“Him and I have spoken a lot about that. … He was really good for us for 90 percent of the games. With [Patrice] Bergeron, I could rely on 100 percent of the games. There’s 10 percent that needs to be made up and he’s got to carry a little bit of that weight. Not only him but a lot of others, but I think mentally he wants that and he’s ready for it.”
The bread and butter of DeBrusk’s game lies in his straight-line speed and poised hand-eye capabilities. Already gifted with a knack for driving to the net, DeBrusk doles out most of his damage against defenses by way of Grade-A wrist shots, deflections and rebound tallies.
But DeBrusk’s 0-to-60 acceleration can do more than put opposing blueliners on their heels during rush chances.
Stapled next to Bergeron and Brad Marchand last season, DeBrusk helped carve out fruitful O-zone shifts for his linemates by winning foot races to loose pucks and wreaking havoc on the forecheck.
That speed translated into shorthanded situations, where DeBrusk averaged 1:22 of ice time per game on the penalty kill.
Montgomery’s musings haven’t been lost on DeBrusk, who believes the key to consistency lies in utilizing his speed in all situations.
“I think it’s not necessarily being selfish, but just focusing on what I can bring to the table every night and I think that with my speed, that’s the biggest thing — where I can cause some chaos on the forecheck or just in general when it comes to rush plays,” DeBrusk said. “I think it’s one of those things that’s one thing I’m looking to do more of.
“I agree with Monty. As the year went on, I felt that there were certain times where I was more confident or comfortable in doing those things and the only way you can get better as if you keep trying. You’re gonna fail sometimes, but it’s one of those things that when I’m playing well, it’s what I just do naturally.”
Without Bergeron and David Krejci in place, Montgomery and the Bruins will need to thrust both Charlie Coyle and Pavel Zacha into featured roles as Boston’s new top-six centers.
Montgomery and the Bruins have regularly expressed confidence in both pivots as they begin the unenviable task of replacing two titans within the organization.
But for as much as Boston believes both Coyle and Zacha can thrive under added reps, the Bruins will need to rely heavily on their top-six wings to help drive play and ease both centers into their new surroundings.
Sticking Zacha next to a 60-goal scorer in David Pastrnak stands as a sound avenue to unlock more offense out of the promising centerman.
But as Coyle looks to replace Bergeron on the top line, having an engaged and disruptive DeBrusk skating on the wing could make life much easier for the Weymouth native.
And with DeBrusk also looking to land a hefty new contract, any added production as a “go-to” player should benefit all parties during the 2023-24 season.
“When it comes to contract talks, it’s one of those things where you need two sides to tango, and whenever that happens, that happens,” DeBrusk said of his pending free agency next summer. “But it’s one of those things where it’s not necessarily my main focus.
“Obviously it’s a big year for our team in general and I know that if I’m doing my part and having success with production and certain things, that will help our team. I think it goes hand in hand and it’s one of those things that I’m just ready to get the season started. I’m excited for it.”
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Post by nfld77 on Sept 18, 2023 14:50:40 GMT -5
Jake DeBrusk is coming off of the best season of his career. The fleet-footed winger has always been a productive player during his six years in Boston, tallying 119 goals and 226 points over 385 games in a black-and-gold sweater. But the 2022-23 campaign saw DeBrusk evolve from a top-six passenger into an impact player in his own right. Had he not missed six weeks due to a broken fibula during the 2023 Winter Classic, DeBrusk was on pace for 35 goals. Over his last 82 regular-season games (including the 2021-22), DeBrusk has potted 37 goals and 66 points. Still just 26 years old, DeBrusk has established himself as a key cog for an evolving Bruins roster. But given the talent drain that sapped Boston’s forward corps over the summer, the Bruins need the affable forward to be more than just a goal-scoring spark plug in 2023-24. “He’s going into the prime of his career,” Jim Montgomery said of DeBrusk on Thursday afternoon. “I think he’s ready to be a go-to player and not a complementary player, but a player that drives the line. “Him and I have spoken a lot about that. … He was really good for us for 90 percent of the games. With [Patrice] Bergeron, I could rely on 100 percent of the games. There’s 10 percent that needs to be made up and he’s got to carry a little bit of that weight. Not only him but a lot of others, but I think mentally he wants that and he’s ready for it.” The bread and butter of DeBrusk’s game lies in his straight-line speed and poised hand-eye capabilities. Already gifted with a knack for driving to the net, DeBrusk doles out most of his damage against defenses by way of Grade-A wrist shots, deflections and rebound tallies. But DeBrusk’s 0-to-60 acceleration can do more than put opposing blueliners on their heels during rush chances. Stapled next to Bergeron and Brad Marchand last season, DeBrusk helped carve out fruitful O-zone shifts for his linemates by winning foot races to loose pucks and wreaking havoc on the forecheck. That speed translated into shorthanded situations, where DeBrusk averaged 1:22 of ice time per game on the penalty kill. Montgomery’s musings haven’t been lost on DeBrusk, who believes the key to consistency lies in utilizing his speed in all situations. “I think it’s not necessarily being selfish, but just focusing on what I can bring to the table every night and I think that with my speed, that’s the biggest thing — where I can cause some chaos on the forecheck or just in general when it comes to rush plays,” DeBrusk said. “I think it’s one of those things that’s one thing I’m looking to do more of. “I agree with Monty. As the year went on, I felt that there were certain times where I was more confident or comfortable in doing those things and the only way you can get better as if you keep trying. You’re gonna fail sometimes, but it’s one of those things that when I’m playing well, it’s what I just do naturally.” Without Bergeron and David Krejci in place, Montgomery and the Bruins will need to thrust both Charlie Coyle and Pavel Zacha into featured roles as Boston’s new top-six centers. Montgomery and the Bruins have regularly expressed confidence in both pivots as they begin the unenviable task of replacing two titans within the organization. But for as much as Boston believes both Coyle and Zacha can thrive under added reps, the Bruins will need to rely heavily on their top-six wings to help drive play and ease both centers into their new surroundings. Sticking Zacha next to a 60-goal scorer in David Pastrnak stands as a sound avenue to unlock more offense out of the promising centerman. But as Coyle looks to replace Bergeron on the top line, having an engaged and disruptive DeBrusk skating on the wing could make life much easier for the Weymouth native. And with DeBrusk also looking to land a hefty new contract, any added production as a “go-to” player should benefit all parties during the 2023-24 season. “When it comes to contract talks, it’s one of those things where you need two sides to tango, and whenever that happens, that happens,” DeBrusk said of his pending free agency next summer. “But it’s one of those things where it’s not necessarily my main focus. “Obviously it’s a big year for our team in general and I know that if I’m doing my part and having success with production and certain things, that will help our team. I think it goes hand in hand and it’s one of those things that I’m just ready to get the season started. I’m excited for it.” REALLY hope he has a huge season..40 goals isnt out of reach if all goes well this season but alot will depend on Coyle and Zacha..Jake's one of my favorite Bruins and I hope he continues to develop!!
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Post by SeaBass on Sept 22, 2023 10:28:15 GMT -5
BRIGHTON, Mass. — Jake DeBrusk is a lifelong Boston Bruin. Only Brad Marchand, David Pastrnak and Brandon Carlo from the current roster have played more games for the organization than his 385
“I’ve been here for six years now,” DeBrusk said. “It feels like I’m one of the guys that’s been here the longest.”
DeBrusk practiced with Danton Heinen and Georgii Merkulov in Thursday’s first on-ice session of training camp. DeBrusk’s seventh season with the Bruins will commence on Oct. 11 against the Chicago Blackhawks. Whether there will be an eighth is unknown.
DeBrusk is entering the last season of his two-year, $8 million contract. He will be unrestricted upon his deal’s expiration. Negotiations have yet to begin.
“We’d like to know if Jake indeed does want to be here,” general manager Don Sweeney said. “Hopefully we can find common ground. Besides that, I’m not going to comment on anything publicly. We’d like to see Jake remain with the Boston Bruins.”
The Bruins were in a similar position with Pastrnak last summer. Sweeney met with J.P. Barry, Pastrnak’s agent, in Montreal before the 2022 NHL Draft, even before the right wing was eligible to sign an extension. It was the first marker in a months-long process that concluded on March 2 with an eight-year, $90 million agreement. The Bruins had no wish for Pastrnak to get close to unrestricted free agency.
So far, Sweeney has not proceeded similarly with Rick Valette, DeBrusk’s agent.
“When it comes to contract talks, it’s one of those things where you need two sides to tango,” DeBrusk said on Sept. 14. “Whenever that happens, that happens.”
The Bruins are expecting big things from DeBrusk. He will be a top-six wing. Even without Patrice Bergeron, his primary center last season, DeBrusk will be asked to approach, if not exceed, his best-yet 50-point total from 2022-23. DeBrusk’s sum would have been higher had it not been for the leg and hand injuries he suffered — and played through — at the Winter Classic.
“He’s going into the prime of his career,” coach Jim Montgomery said. “He’s ready to be a go-to player. Not a complementary player, but a player that drives the line. Him and I have spoken a lot about that. Say he was really good for us for 90 percent of the games. Well, Bergeron, I could rely on 100 percent of the games. There’s 10 percent of the games that needs to be made up. He’s got to carry a little bit of that weight.”
DeBrusk has grown since requesting a trade on multiple occasions under ex-coach Bruce Cassidy. His employer no longer questions his effort. He has become a reliable all-situations wing. He averaged 2:57 of ice time per game last season on the power play, where he’s settled in as the net-front presence. He logged 1:30 of penalty-killing time per game.
“He put all those things aside. Just went out and performed,” said Sweeney. “Was on pace for a really, really good year. Had a really good year, but even more so. Battled through a couple injuries, came back and played well again. That’s Jake’s maturity, both as a player and as a person. He’s an important part of our club. If we have a season we expect to do, he’s going to be a big part of it.”
The trick for the Bruins is to determine the 26-year-old’s long-term value. Like Pastrnak, he is eligible to sign an eight-year extension. Whether the Bruins want to lock him up through 2032 is unknown. Pavel Zacha, drafted eight slots higher than DeBrusk in 2015, signed a four-year, $19 million extension on Jan. 14.
It’s just as difficult to project DeBrusk’s annual compensation. Troy Terry, also a 2015 selection scored a $7 million average-annual-value contract when he signed a seven-year deal on Aug. 2. The right wing is coming off a 23-goal, 61-point season in 70 games.
Based on how things have proceeded so far, the most likely outcome is status quo for the start of the season. DeBrusk could put himself in a stronger bargaining position if he takes the next step and becomes a go-to presence. If he starts slowly, it may convince the Bruins to invest their future dollars elsewhere. They need centers. Mark Scheifele and Elias Lindholm could become unrestricted next summer if they do not re-up.
The Bruins expect to be competitive, even after significant turnover. They believe in their goaltending and defense.
But the history-setting team is due for a dip after turning the roster upside down. It is possible the Bruins find themselves looking up at their division rivals instead of stepping on their necks. If the playoffs fall into question, Sweeney could swap DeBrusk for futures. The Bruins do not have a 2024 first-rounder because of the Tyler Bertuzzi trade.
This scenario, as gloomy as it seems for the Bruins, could give them pause when it comes to talking contract with DeBrusk. There is plenty of time and circumstances to evaluate before an agreement needs to happen. The Bruins learned that last year with Pastrnak, as uncomfortable as it felt at times.
DeBrusk, then, may have to wait.
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Post by madmarx on Nov 13, 2023 17:34:50 GMT -5
BRIGHTON, Mass. — Through 13 games, Jake DeBrusk has one goal. Put another way, the Boston Bruins wing has scored as often as he’s been banished from the lineup — an Oct. 21 sitdown against the Los Angeles Kings for being late to a meeting.
A top-six forward does not want those numbers aligning.
“There’s nobody,” DeBrusk said of his sideways shooting, “that hates this more than me.”
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Last season, DeBrusk needed just 64 games to score 27 goals, tying a career high. At his current pace, DeBrusk would need to play in 338 more games this season to match last year’s sum.
As of Monday, DeBrusk (17:30) was one of 131 forwards logging at least 17 minutes of ice time per appearance. Only five of those 131 forwards (T.J. Oshie, Alex Killorn, Mikael Granlund, Josh Anderson, Alex Wennberg) have scored less.
And all of this is happening in a contract year.
But the thing about DeBrusk’s season is that his inability to put pucks in nets may be his only shortcoming. He is averaging 13:55 of even-strength ice time per game, second-most among team forwards behind only David Pastrnak (15:30).
He has been on the ice for only one power-play goal against. According to Natural Stat Trick, among the 90 forwards with at least 25 minutes of short-handed ice time, only Cole Sillinger has not been scored against.
Meanwhile, DeBrusk has played both left and right wing. He’s taken shifts on all three top lines.
“I haven’t really hated my game,” said DeBrusk. “It’s just a matter of how I haven’t really been getting looks. It’s one of those things you worry about when you don’t get looks. They’ve been coming and going. I don’t think I’ve really missed any Grade-A’s. I haven’t really had many. Obviously something I need to change and that I can control in part. I know when they usually do come, they come in bunches. Once they do, I’ve just got to put it in the net.”
DeBrusk has 29 shots, fourth-most on the roster. According to the NHL’s Edge skater- and puck-tracking data, nine of those 29 have been high-danger looks: inside and below the faceoff dots. His 11.1 percent high-danger shooting percentage is below the league average of 18.2 percent.
Concurrently, DeBrusk’s overall 3.4 shooting percentage is the lowest of his career. Last year, he drained 14.1 percent of his shots. His career average is 12.6 percent.
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Regression, then, is likely to be around the corner.
“He’s always been a guy that when he gets one, he scores in bunches,” Brad Marchand said. “He feeds off that confidence. He’s done a lot of good things. For him, it’s just continuing to go to the net and shoot the puck. He’s such a dangerous threat when he’s skating, winning battles and coming out of there with speed and taking pucks to the net. It’s a matter of time.”
Former Bruins coach Bruce Cassidy used to say that when DeBrusk didn’t have his A-game, he needed to bring his B-game. It didn’t necessarily happen.
That’s when Cassidy and DeBrusk would cross swords. DeBrusk’s ice time would go down, Cassidy’s voice up. Things never went well in such situations.
This season, DeBrusk’s B-game has been there. Most recently, DeBrusk has been the No. 3 right wing next to Danton Heinen and Matt Poitras. He’s skated hard, defended well and pressured pucks. His goal-scoring shortcomings have yet to dilute his other responsibilities, of which there are many.
“The big thing when you’re not scoring, you start forgetting about the other things that are important in the game,” said Marchand. “For him, he plays a lot of PK minutes and big defensive minutes for us. He just has to make sure his details are really good. The rest of it’s going to fall into place. It always does. It has for him. He’s such a gifted player. You’re not going to keep him off the scoresheet for long. If he keeps shooting and going to the net, it’s going to go in.”
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Post by SeaBass on Dec 15, 2023 9:44:33 GMT -5
NEWARK, N.J. — Jake DeBrusk is doing almost everything for the Boston Bruins.
The 27-year-old is averaging 13:40 of even-strength ice time per game, third-most among forwards after David Pastrnak (15:56) and Brad Marchand (14:02). Only Charlie Coyle (2:53) and Pavel Zacha (2:00) are getting more short-handed action per game than DeBrusk (1:58).
In Wednesday’s 2-1 overtime loss to the New Jersey Devils, DeBrusk was the No. 1 left wing next to Morgan Geekie and David Pastrnak. DeBrusk recorded one shot. He worked the front of the net on the first power-play unit. He has played left and right wing on the top three lines.
The only thing DeBrusk is not doing is scoring goals. This is not a minor shortcoming considering his pedigree.
Coach Jim Montgomery likes to say he does not necessarily need Coyle to be a primary scorer. He reasons that the workhorse center touches the game in every area.
DeBrusk is similar to Coyle in his all-situations impact. But the Bruins still need DeBrusk to score, as much for himself as for the team.
“I would say he is in that category. JD helps us all over the ice,” Montgomery said of DeBrusk, comparing him to Coyle. “But for an offensive player like JD, you need to feel good about your game. You need to be producing more than he’s producing for himself to feel the value. I value him no matter what. But we do need him to produce, right? Especially with the numbers we lost from last year.”
Last season, DeBrusk scored a career-high 27 times, second-most after Pastrnak. This season, he’s recorded just four goals. This places him 10th on the roster. He’s on pace to score 12 goals. He’s not satisfied.
“I know it’s going to come,” DeBrusk said of his scoring. “At the same time, it’s one of those things where I’m being used differently. I understand that. I’m just trying to work on that part of my game. There’s a bigger picture here in that sense. But it’s been frustrating. That’s for sure.”
DeBrusk has 58 shots, third-most on the team after Pastrnak (136) and Marchand (93). Only 6.9 percent of those sniffs have gone in.
Last year, his shooting percentage was 14.1 percent. His career average is 12.5 percent.
History says, then, his touch will regress and the goals will come. For that to happen, DeBrusk’s confidence cannot be shaken by his hands’ disappearance.
“When Jake’s at his best, he’s tenacious on pucks,” Montgomery said. “And his habits and details are really good. Like any offensive player, when he struggles, his habits and details wander. They tend to cheat toward offense. You don’t end up with the puck as much. That’s the way it goes for everybody.”
All of this is happening as the clock ticks away on the final season of DeBrusk’s two-year, $8 million contract. It puts both DeBrusk and the Bruins in a position they probably didn’t anticipate: Attempting to identify exactly what the 27-year-old is on his next contract. Twenty-six games in (he was scratched against the Los Angeles Kings for being late to a team meeting), the outlook is anything but concise.
So as the sides consider what’s to come, we’ve recruited some assistance for insight on the three options:
Re-sign DeBrusk The Bruins would be happy to extend DeBrusk. They do not have a multi-dimensional wing in their system who can assume all of DeBrusk’s responsibilities in 2024-25. The 2015 first-rounder, who pulled his trade request following ex-coach Bruce Cassidy’s dismissal, likes being a Bruin.
Last season, general manager Don Sweeney opened his wallet wide for Pastrnak, a pending unrestricted free agent. There is nothing close to an eight-year, $90 million extension waiting for DeBrusk.
Nino Niederreiter, 31, signed a three-year, $12 million contract with the Winnipeg Jets on Dec. 4. Niederreiter scored 24 goals last season between the Jets and Nashville Predators. As such, one agent, granted anonymity to assess a non-client’s options, estimated DeBrusk could expect a two- or three-year extension with the Bruins with an average annual value between $4.85 million and $5.25 million.
Another agent, granted similar anonymity, did not believe the Bruins would grant DeBrusk a raise above his current $4 million AAV. Consider that DeBrusk has the same number of goals as Danton Heinen, who is earning $775,000, just above minimum wage. Like DeBrusk, Heinen is playing the role of multi-position wing. Heinen is one year older.
If the Bruins’ offer is not to DeBrusk’s liking, he might want to test free agency.
Let DeBrusk walk In one way, the Bruins would be weakened by allowing DeBrusk to leave for nothing. But like all teams, they have a ceiling, both in term and salary, for each player. They will not go over it.
This was the case for Tyler Bertuzzi and Connor Clifton. The Bruins liked both of the UFAs-to-be. But Bertuzzi and Clifton found better deals with the Toronto Maple Leafs and Buffalo Sabres, respectively, last offseason.
If the Bruins let DeBrusk walk, they could apply his $4 million AAV elsewhere. They remain in the market for centers. If Elias Lindholm is available in free agency, the Bruins would have their hand up for his services.
DeBrusk would enter the market when more dollars are available. The 2024-25 salary cap is expected to be $87.7 million, a $4.2 million year-over-year increase. Other wings similar to DeBrusk on track for UFA status include Bertuzzi, Anthony Beauvillier, Anthony Duclair, Jake Guentzel, Victor Olofsson, Sam Reinhart and Teuvo Teravainen.
One hockey operations executive, who requested anonymity to speak about a player not under contract with his team, believed DeBrusk would score the same two-year, $8 million on the market that he currently has with the Bruins.
The second agent agreed.
“I think it’s going to be around $4 million,” he said. “On a good team, he’s a supplementary third-line guy.”
Last offseason, the Chicago Blackhawks signed ex-Bruin Ryan Donato (14 goals in 2022-23) to a two-year, $4 million contract. The Carolina Hurricanes locked up Michael Bunting (back-to-back 23-goal seasons with the Maple Leafs) to a three-year, $13.5 million deal. DeBrusk’s agreement could fall within that band.
However, if DeBrusk heats up and approaches his 27-goal 2022-23 output, the executive noted the wing could hold out for a five- or six-year contract at a higher AAV.
All of this could be preceded by a trade.
Trade DeBrusk The Bruins are No. 1 in the Eastern Conference standings. They are on pace to make the playoffs for the eighth straight season. The airtight tandem of Jeremy Swayman and Linus Ullmark would give them a chance in every postseason game.
Trading DeBrusk, then, is the unlikeliest outcome of the three options. Unless Sweeney can execute a hockey trade, he would be moving DeBrusk for futures. That would not improve the 2023-24 roster.
But suppose trading DeBrusk was the first in a series of transactions. The Calgary Flames are listening on Lindholm inquiries before the March 8 trade deadline. Unloading the remainder of DeBrusk’s AAV would help the Bruins clear most of the cap space needed to accommodate the center’s $4.85 million payday. Sweeney could flip the assets from DeBrusk to the Flames as part of a Lindholm package.
So what would the return be?
The executive estimated a second-round pick and a “B” prospect, a package he classified as “best best case” for the Bruins. That would not be enough for Lindholm, especially since the Bruins would want to acquire and extend the center.
But given the Bruins’ needs at the position, it would be a starting point for trade talks.
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Post by kjc2 on Dec 15, 2023 20:05:31 GMT -5
NEWARK, N.J. — Jake DeBrusk is doing almost everything for the Boston Bruins. The 27-year-old is averaging 13:40 of even-strength ice time per game, third-most among forwards after David Pastrnak (15:56) and Brad Marchand (14:02). Only Charlie Coyle (2:53) and Pavel Zacha (2:00) are getting more short-handed action per game than DeBrusk (1:58). In Wednesday’s 2-1 overtime loss to the New Jersey Devils, DeBrusk was the No. 1 left wing next to Morgan Geekie and David Pastrnak. DeBrusk recorded one shot. He worked the front of the net on the first power-play unit. He has played left and right wing on the top three lines. The only thing DeBrusk is not doing is scoring goals. This is not a minor shortcoming considering his pedigree. Coach Jim Montgomery likes to say he does not necessarily need Coyle to be a primary scorer. He reasons that the workhorse center touches the game in every area. DeBrusk is similar to Coyle in his all-situations impact. But the Bruins still need DeBrusk to score, as much for himself as for the team. “I would say he is in that category. JD helps us all over the ice,” Montgomery said of DeBrusk, comparing him to Coyle. “But for an offensive player like JD, you need to feel good about your game. You need to be producing more than he’s producing for himself to feel the value. I value him no matter what. But we do need him to produce, right? Especially with the numbers we lost from last year.” Last season, DeBrusk scored a career-high 27 times, second-most after Pastrnak. This season, he’s recorded just four goals. This places him 10th on the roster. He’s on pace to score 12 goals. He’s not satisfied. “I know it’s going to come,” DeBrusk said of his scoring. “At the same time, it’s one of those things where I’m being used differently. I understand that. I’m just trying to work on that part of my game. There’s a bigger picture here in that sense. But it’s been frustrating. That’s for sure.” DeBrusk has 58 shots, third-most on the team after Pastrnak (136) and Marchand (93). Only 6.9 percent of those sniffs have gone in. Last year, his shooting percentage was 14.1 percent. His career average is 12.5 percent. History says, then, his touch will regress and the goals will come. For that to happen, DeBrusk’s confidence cannot be shaken by his hands’ disappearance. “When Jake’s at his best, he’s tenacious on pucks,” Montgomery said. “And his habits and details are really good. Like any offensive player, when he struggles, his habits and details wander. They tend to cheat toward offense. You don’t end up with the puck as much. That’s the way it goes for everybody.” All of this is happening as the clock ticks away on the final season of DeBrusk’s two-year, $8 million contract. It puts both DeBrusk and the Bruins in a position they probably didn’t anticipate: Attempting to identify exactly what the 27-year-old is on his next contract. Twenty-six games in (he was scratched against the Los Angeles Kings for being late to a team meeting), the outlook is anything but concise. So as the sides consider what’s to come, we’ve recruited some assistance for insight on the three options: Re-sign DeBrusk The Bruins would be happy to extend DeBrusk. They do not have a multi-dimensional wing in their system who can assume all of DeBrusk’s responsibilities in 2024-25. The 2015 first-rounder, who pulled his trade request following ex-coach Bruce Cassidy’s dismissal, likes being a Bruin. Last season, general manager Don Sweeney opened his wallet wide for Pastrnak, a pending unrestricted free agent. There is nothing close to an eight-year, $90 million extension waiting for DeBrusk. Nino Niederreiter, 31, signed a three-year, $12 million contract with the Winnipeg Jets on Dec. 4. Niederreiter scored 24 goals last season between the Jets and Nashville Predators. As such, one agent, granted anonymity to assess a non-client’s options, estimated DeBrusk could expect a two- or three-year extension with the Bruins with an average annual value between $4.85 million and $5.25 million. Another agent, granted similar anonymity, did not believe the Bruins would grant DeBrusk a raise above his current $4 million AAV. Consider that DeBrusk has the same number of goals as Danton Heinen, who is earning $775,000, just above minimum wage. Like DeBrusk, Heinen is playing the role of multi-position wing. Heinen is one year older. If the Bruins’ offer is not to DeBrusk’s liking, he might want to test free agency. Let DeBrusk walk In one way, the Bruins would be weakened by allowing DeBrusk to leave for nothing. But like all teams, they have a ceiling, both in term and salary, for each player. They will not go over it. This was the case for Tyler Bertuzzi and Connor Clifton. The Bruins liked both of the UFAs-to-be. But Bertuzzi and Clifton found better deals with the Toronto Maple Leafs and Buffalo Sabres, respectively, last offseason. If the Bruins let DeBrusk walk, they could apply his $4 million AAV elsewhere. They remain in the market for centers. If Elias Lindholm is available in free agency, the Bruins would have their hand up for his services. DeBrusk would enter the market when more dollars are available. The 2024-25 salary cap is expected to be $87.7 million, a $4.2 million year-over-year increase. Other wings similar to DeBrusk on track for UFA status include Bertuzzi, Anthony Beauvillier, Anthony Duclair, Jake Guentzel, Victor Olofsson, Sam Reinhart and Teuvo Teravainen. One hockey operations executive, who requested anonymity to speak about a player not under contract with his team, believed DeBrusk would score the same two-year, $8 million on the market that he currently has with the Bruins. The second agent agreed. “I think it’s going to be around $4 million,” he said. “On a good team, he’s a supplementary third-line guy.” Last offseason, the Chicago Blackhawks signed ex-Bruin Ryan Donato (14 goals in 2022-23) to a two-year, $4 million contract. The Carolina Hurricanes locked up Michael Bunting (back-to-back 23-goal seasons with the Maple Leafs) to a three-year, $13.5 million deal. DeBrusk’s agreement could fall within that band. However, if DeBrusk heats up and approaches his 27-goal 2022-23 output, the executive noted the wing could hold out for a five- or six-year contract at a higher AAV. All of this could be preceded by a trade. Trade DeBrusk The Bruins are No. 1 in the Eastern Conference standings. They are on pace to make the playoffs for the eighth straight season. The airtight tandem of Jeremy Swayman and Linus Ullmark would give them a chance in every postseason game. Trading DeBrusk, then, is the unlikeliest outcome of the three options. Unless Sweeney can execute a hockey trade, he would be moving DeBrusk for futures. That would not improve the 2023-24 roster. But suppose trading DeBrusk was the first in a series of transactions. The Calgary Flames are listening on Lindholm inquiries before the March 8 trade deadline. Unloading the remainder of DeBrusk’s AAV would help the Bruins clear most of the cap space needed to accommodate the center’s $4.85 million payday. Sweeney could flip the assets from DeBrusk to the Flames as part of a Lindholm package. So what would the return be? The executive estimated a second-round pick and a “B” prospect, a package he classified as “best best case” for the Bruins. That would not be enough for Lindholm, especially since the Bruins would want to acquire and extend the center. But given the Bruins’ needs at the position, it would be a starting point for trade talks. I’d be happy to keep him at 4 million per but no raise. If that’s not enough we’d have to move him, can’t let him test the market and just lose him. He had Bergeron and Marchand last year, that’s two high end line mates adding to his production, that’s a huge factor. He has value for all the work he’s doing but he has to put up goals and assists to get paid.
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Post by madmarx on Feb 5, 2024 7:30:21 GMT -5
DeBrusk reiterated today that he’d like to get an extension done to stay in Boston.
“I always have optimism. I feel like it'd be pretty depressing if I didn't have optimism that I'd be here. It’s one of those things that I hope it gets done.”
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Post by kjc2 on Feb 5, 2024 9:12:51 GMT -5
DeBrusk reiterated today that he’d like to get an extension done to stay in Boston. “I always have optimism. I feel like it'd be pretty depressing if I didn't have optimism that I'd be here. It’s one of those things that I hope it gets done.” Maybe I’m a cold bastard but I only want him here if the price is right. 6-6.5 seems too high for me. He has the shot and speed to put up better numbers than he does but no doubt his all round game has improved.
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Post by orym on Feb 5, 2024 14:23:53 GMT -5
DeBrusk reiterated today that he’d like to get an extension done to stay in Boston. “I always have optimism. I feel like it'd be pretty depressing if I didn't have optimism that I'd be here. It’s one of those things that I hope it gets done.” Maybe I’m a cold bastard but I only want him here if the price is right. 6-6.5 seems too high for me. He has the shot and speed to put up better numbers than he does but no doubt his all round game has improved. If he wants to stay so bad, Sweeney should be able to get a bit of a discount. I'm not talking anything major but maybe we can get a team friendly deal kind of like what Nugent Hopkins signed in Edmonton. 8 year, 41 million (5.125 per). I don't like Jake at 6-6.5 million on any long term. That's gonna be damn ugly if the goal scoring falls away for long stretches like we saw this year. You can't pay all your guys at or above value (like Toronto) - we need some team friendly deals and I think Jake could be one of them.
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Post by madmarx on Feb 5, 2024 15:17:35 GMT -5
Tippet just signed 6.2m x8 i think Jake is in that neighborhood ?
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Post by kjc2 on Feb 5, 2024 21:26:52 GMT -5
Tippet just signed 6.2m x8 i think Jake is in that neighborhood ? I hate that a green GM can sign a player to a bad contract and somehow it sets the market. Even though I do think Tippet has some big upside. We know exactly what Jake is after all these years and it’s good but is it 6 million good?
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Post by nfld77 on Feb 5, 2024 23:55:29 GMT -5
Tippet just signed 6.2m x8 i think Jake is in that neighborhood ? I hate that a green GM can sign a player to a bad contract and somehow it sets the market. Even though I do think Tippet has some big upside. We know exactly what Jake is after all these years and it’s good but is it 6 million good? Mainly because of injuries, Jake has yet to score 30 goals in a season..Now thay his overall game seems to have improved[even on the PK], and because he just turned 27, his best offensive seasons just MIGHT be still ahead of him and if so, I want it to be in Boston..But I agree that anything over 6 million is a gamble all the same..Do he HAVE to go with a longterm deal..I understand if he takes another 2 yr deal he'll be 30 by the time its over and he wont get a longterm one at that age so I guess thats why it gotta be now..8 years 40 million would be ideal in my opinion..Thats 5 million a season and more money than he'll ever spend..40 effing million, yet in baseball or basketball, players get that a season, even old fellers like Fred van Fleet, crazy money..
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Post by kjc2 on Feb 6, 2024 20:04:22 GMT -5
I hate that a green GM can sign a player to a bad contract and somehow it sets the market. Even though I do think Tippet has some big upside. We know exactly what Jake is after all these years and it’s good but is it 6 million good? Mainly because of injuries, Jake has yet to score 30 goals in a season..Now thay his overall game seems to have improved[even on the PK], and because he just turned 27, his best offensive seasons just MIGHT be still ahead of him and if so, I want it to be in Boston..But I agree that anything over 6 million is a gamble all the same..Do he HAVE to go with a longterm deal..I understand if he takes another 2 yr deal he'll be 30 by the time its over and he wont get a longterm one at that age so I guess thats why it gotta be now..8 years 40 million would be ideal in my opinion..Thats 5 million a season and more money than he'll ever spend..40 effing million, yet in baseball or basketball, players get that a season, even old fellers like Fred van Fleet, crazy money.. This is Jake’s first kick at getting paid as a UFA I doubt if he gives the Bruins any kind of discount.
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Post by nfld77 on Feb 7, 2024 16:21:42 GMT -5
Mainly because of injuries, Jake has yet to score 30 goals in a season..Now thay his overall game seems to have improved[even on the PK], and because he just turned 27, his best offensive seasons just MIGHT be still ahead of him and if so, I want it to be in Boston..But I agree that anything over 6 million is a gamble all the same..Do he HAVE to go with a longterm deal..I understand if he takes another 2 yr deal he'll be 30 by the time its over and he wont get a longterm one at that age so I guess thats why it gotta be now..8 years 40 million would be ideal in my opinion..Thats 5 million a season and more money than he'll ever spend..40 effing million, yet in baseball or basketball, players get that a season, even old fellers like Fred van Fleet, crazy money.. This is Jake’s first kick at getting paid as a UFA I doubt if he gives the Bruins any kind of discount. That would maybe have more to do with his agent maybe?? BUT Jake has stated on several occasions that he wants to remain a Boston Bruin so maybe they can get a deal done...KJC, whats the max you would give him?? I just fear he signs elsewhere and becomes a regular 30 goal scorer...
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Post by madmarx on Feb 7, 2024 17:36:01 GMT -5
This is Jake’s first kick at getting paid as a UFA I doubt if he gives the Bruins any kind of discount. That would maybe have more to do with his agent maybe?? BUT Jake has stated on several occasions that he wants to remain a Boston Bruin so maybe they can get a deal done...KJC, whats the max you would give him?? I just fear he signs elsewhere and becomes a regular 30 goal scorer... Jake already played I want out of Boston card so there is no way He says anything but He loves Boston and wants to stay . The term will determine a lot I would give him his 6mil but for two years , or less for more term .
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Post by SeaBass on Feb 7, 2024 19:24:53 GMT -5
I wouldn’t go over 5.
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Post by nfld77 on Feb 7, 2024 20:27:44 GMT -5
Yea, I love DeBrusk but right now I agree with Seabass..IF he would accept 5 a season, he would get maybe 8 years, thats 40 million!! OR 6 years 30 mil?? 6 Million might be a bargain down the road but right now, not so sure..
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Post by SeaBass on Feb 7, 2024 20:48:43 GMT -5
Yea, I love DeBrusk but right now I agree with Seabass..IF he would accept 5 a season, he would get maybe 8 years, thats 40 million!! OR 6 years 30 mil?? 6 Million might be a bargain down the road but right now, not so sure.. To me he is just too inconsistent. Long stretched of nothing. Although I will say this is his best year ever minus the goal scoring.
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Post by nfld77 on Feb 8, 2024 12:39:31 GMT -5
Yea, I love DeBrusk but right now I agree with Seabass..IF he would accept 5 a season, he would get maybe 8 years, thats 40 million!! OR 6 years 30 mil?? 6 Million might be a bargain down the road but right now, not so sure.. To me he is just too inconsistent. Long stretched of nothing. Although I will say this is his best year ever minus the goal scoring. But with a player like Jake, you need his offense as well, simply got too much speed to waste to be on a pace of 40 pts and he's barely on that even if his numbers have improved of late..He's a gamble right now on a long term contract and it'll be interesting to see how this all works out..
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Post by kjc2 on Feb 8, 2024 13:16:59 GMT -5
To me he is just too inconsistent. Long stretched of nothing. Although I will say this is his best year ever minus the goal scoring. But with a player like Jake, you need his offense as well, simply got too much speed to waste to be on a pace of 40 pts and he's barely on that even if his numbers have improved of late..He's a gamble right now on a long term contract and it'll be interesting to see how this all works out.. I’d take him for 5 x 8 or 5 x 6 years. I just think he’d probably get 6 on the open market. I think we can’t afford to let him go to the open market and lose him for nothing. I’d trade him to the Leafs for Bertuzzi straight up and try to extend Bert.
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kovs
Prominent Member
Posts: 507
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Post by kovs on Feb 8, 2024 14:15:49 GMT -5
Yea, I love DeBrusk but right now I agree with Seabass..IF he would accept 5 a season, he would get maybe 8 years, thats 40 million!! OR 6 years 30 mil?? 6 Million might be a bargain down the road but right now, not so sure.. To me he is just too inconsistent. Long stretched of nothing. Although I will say this is his best year ever minus the goal scoring. I'm so over the DeBrusk experiment. The kid has been streaky at best. He just doesn't have that "other level". I feel like he's hit his ceiling at least in the B's system of play. I think he tries really hard to fit in, but the foundation just isn't there. He's not versatile and his skills are capped at average. I feel like hes a better fit on the Caps or Sabres.
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