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Is Jake DeBrusk’s Big Payday Slipping Away?

Originally posted on Inside The Rink | By Connor Green | Last updated 2/21/24

While the Boston Bruins have been having a couple of phenomenal seasons, many fans may have forgotten that Jake DeBrusk was a half step away from leaving the Bruins organization after his previous trade request. The confusion thickened when DeBrusk signed a two-year extension with the Bruins in the midst of the trade rumors.

Now, roughly a year and a half removed from the trade request and contract extension, all signs point to DeBrusk being a happy camper in Boston. Debrusk tallied 50 points during the ’22-’23 campaign and currently has 25 points in 54 games so far this season. With the departure of key roster players, DeBrusk has picked up significant time on the penalty kill and defensive assignments, which has obviously impacted his offensive production.

Last 4 games for Jake DeBrusk:

0-0-0, -1 (averaging about 2-shots/game)

Seems like a player that has other things on his mind #NHLBRUINS
— Jesse A.K.A “Dominican-PuckHead” (@Jessemedscience) February 14, 2024

While being in the final year of his contract, DeBrusk has been eligible to sign a contract extension since July 1, 2023, and we have yet to hear any public comments from DeBrusk or the organization that things are progressing toward an extension. So that begs the question, do the Bruins plan on keeping DeBrusk in the fold, or are they keeping things flexible for a possible trade? As I mentioned in a previous article, I think DeBrusk is one of the perfect candidates to trade off your roster to make a significant lineup change. However, I think Don Sweeney is a little hesitant to make the splash.

What Don Sweeney does best is get his players signed to team-friendly contracts.

What Is DeBrusk’s Value?

If Jake DeBrusk were to sign an extension with the Boston Bruins, what would that look like? His current contract carries an AAV of $4m, and the previous contract just shy of $3.7m, all while his points production has been moderately the same. Following last season’s impressive 50-point campaign, you could see $6-6.5m being in the conversation for Jake; now things are looking a little different.

To be honest, we would be surprised if Jake DeBrusk will be a Bruin in the next season. We also believe that the change of scenery could help him a lot. https://t.co/ryuvSRo7qM pic.twitter.com/bXC6vT4bfr
— Andy & Rono (@ARHockeyStats) February 20, 2024

With DeBrusk’s increased defensive roles on the ice, his point production has taken a bit of a hit. Though teams would likely be more than happy to take DeBrusk off your hands, if he truly intends to stay in Boston. Will his value land around a five-year $25m contract($5mAAV)?

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This article first appeared on Inside The Rink and was syndicated with permission.

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