Jake DeBrusk looking to build on his career year

Photo Credit: Maddie Meyer/ Getty Images

For Jake DeBrusk, the last few years have been a rollercoaster ride. He has gone from requesting a trade out of Boston in November 2021 to signing a two-year contract extension at the 2022 NHL Trade Deadline. That extension has paid off, as the former first-round pick took his game to another level last year. With the 2023-2024 season only weeks away, his focus has shifted to building on his success.

In 64 games last year, DeBrusk set career highs in goals with 27 and assists with 23. For the first time in his career, the Edmonton native reached the 50-point mark. He was also a threat on the power play with 14 points. His play was an encouraging sign for a Bruins team that rewrote the record books during the regular season.

As a result, expectations are higher than ever for DeBrusk. He will also be a free agent after the season, which should only add more motivation. However, his ultimate desire is to remain a Bruin.

“I’m hoping to stay (with the Boston Bruins). It’s the only team that I know and the team that I grew up with,” DeBrusk told NHL.com last month. “Hopefully, it goes in that direction, and we’ll see how it goes.”

While DeBrusk hasn’t been shy about his intentions to stay in Boston, nothing seems to be on the horizon regarding a deal. However, on Wednesday, Don Sweeney made it clear that keeping DeBrusk long-term is something the Bruins want.

“We’re going to have communication with Jake and his representation [and] we’d like to know if Jake indeed does want to be here,” Sweeney said in his pre-camp press conference Wednesday. “And hopefully, we can find common ground. Besides that, you guys know enough that I’m not going to comment on anything publicly. But we’d like to see you see Jake remain with the Boston Bruins.”

Until DeBrusk's future becomes clearer, his contract will be a storyline. If the two sides can't find common ground on a deal, the 26-year-old could be a trade candidate at the trade deadline. However, after a career year, his desire to sign an extension seems stronger than ever, and the Bruins wouldn't mind if he stuck around based on Sweeney's comments.

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