It sounds like the Bruins have accepted their fate with Jake DeBrusk
The latest update on Jake DeBrusk and the Boston Bruins isn’t a surprising one to those who have followed along, but it does cement the forward’s immediate future, and possibly…
BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS – MAY 17: Jake DeBrusk #74 of the Boston Bruins skates against the Florida Panthers during the second period in Game Six of the Second Round of the 2024 Stanley Cup Playoffs at the TD Garden on May 17, 2024 in Boston, Massachusetts. The Panthers won 2-1 to advance to the Eastern Conference final. (Photo by Richard T Gagnon/Getty Images) *** Local Caption *** Jake DeBrusk
The latest update on Jake DeBrusk and the Boston Bruins isn't a surprising one to those who have followed along, but it does cement the forward's immediate future, and possibly his ultimate fate with his current team.
Speaking at the NHL Draft in Las Vegas on Thursday, Bruins GM Don Sweeney dished on a number of offseason topics, including the status of DeBrusk. An impending unrestricted free agent, DeBrusk appears firmly on track to officially become one on July 1, based on Sweeney's comments.
"I suspect that Jake will head to UFA and test the market," Sweeney said (via Conor Ryan). "Remain consistent that we have been in negotiations with Jake - haven't had any productive talks in quite some time.
"At end of the day, that's his prerogative to see what July 1 brings for him."
Claus Andersen/Getty Images<p style="font-size:10pt">TORONTO, CANADA - APRIL 24: Jake DeBrusk #74 of the Boston Bruins skates against the Toronto Maple Leafs in Game Three of the First Round of the 2024 Stanley Cup Playoffs at Scotiabank Arena on April 24, 2024 in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. The Bruins defeated the Maple Leafs 4-2. (Photo by Claus Andersen/Getty Images)</p>
Sweeney sounds like he's willing to leave the door open for a DeBrusk return, after he tests the open market, if he doesn't get the type of offers he and his agent may be anticipating. But it also appears that Sweeney and the B's are preparing as if DeBrusk will end up signing with a new team.
DeBrusk, 27, is coming off a season in which he scored 19 goals and 40 points in 80 games for the Bruins. However, he did lead the B's in playoff scoring with 11 points in 13 games, and plays a speedy, forechecking style that translates well to the postseason.
The NHL is ultimately a business and DeBrusk, at this stage of his career, would be wise to simply go for the best offer, whether that's the Bruins or another team.
DeBrusk is just one of many internal free agents that the Bruins need to figure out this off-season. Read below for more about them.
Matt Dolloff is a writer and digital content producer for 98.5 The Sports Hub. Read all of his articles here.
[select-listicle listicle_id="357440" syndication_name="a-look-at-all-of-the-pending-unrestricted-free-agents-for-the-bruins" description="yes"]
