Best Jake DeBrusk destinations if he leaves Bruins in free agency
The relationship between the Boston Bruins and forward Jake DeBrusk hasn’t exactly been smooth over the last few years. In fact, DeBrusk once requested a trade. He did rescind that request, but that didn’t stop Bruins rumors involving him from swirling. Now, as he enters NHL Free Agency, DeBrusk’s days with Boston seem to be coming to an end.
The Bruins have a number of items on their offseason agenda. For instance, they want to work out a long-term contract with goaltender Jeremy Swayman. As a result, a good portion of their $20 million in projected cap space will go toward that extension. Beyond that, DeBrusk played himself into a potential raise on the open market.
DeBrusk scored a respectable 19 goals and 40 points during the regular season. But the 27-year-old pending free agent turned things up a notch in the Stanley Cup Playoffs. He scored a team-leading five goals and 11 points through 13 games for Boston in the postseason.
As of now, The Athletic projects DeBrusk to earn a five-year contract with an average annual value of $5.8 million. It appears unlikely that the Bruins are prepared to pay that. And with that in mind, here are three potential landing spots for Jake DeBrusk in NHL Free Agency.
Capitals desperately need offense
The Washington Capitals made the Stanley Cup Playoffs in 2024. But they had one of the worst offenses in the entire league this past season. In fact, no team in the Eastern Conference averaged fewer goals per game than the Capitals. Their offensive woes bit them during the playoffs as they were swept by the New York Rangers.
Of course, DeBrusk is not the final answer to Washington’s goal-scoring issue. But he would have been one of the team’s best offensive players in 2023-24. The Capitals only had three players score 40 points or more during the regular season. In the playoffs, Washington had just one player — defenseman Martin Fehervary — score more than one goal in their series against the Rangers.
Jake DeBrusk could certainly help the Capitals offensively in 2024-25. The Capitals likely would need to clear cap space in order to sign him. But if they have playoff ambition, it would be wise for them to at least make an attempt to sign DeBrusk in NHL Free Agency.
Kings could benefit from added scoring
The Los Angeles Kings, like the Capitals, made the Stanley Cup Playoffs. And, like the Capitals, they were eliminated in the first round of the Stanley Cup Playoffs. Los Angeles fell to the Edmonton Oilers in just five games. It marked their third straight opening-round loss to Edmonton in the postseason.
There are a number of reasons for their defeat. But one thing is clear: Los Angeles could benefit from adding scoring depth. In the 2023-24 regular season, the Kings finished around middle-of-the-pack in goals for per game. They averaged a little more than three goals a game this past year.
The Kings have nearly $20 million in projected salary cap space to work with in NHL Free Agency. And they could create more with a few moves, such as potentially trading Pierre-Luc Dubois. Overall, they have the capacity to sign Jake DeBrusk, and he would make them a better team if he joined this summer.
Jake DeBrusk could return home, join Oilers
DeBrusk has an opportunity of a lifetime ahead of him. The Edmonton native could sign with his hometown Oilers in NHL Free Agency. Edmonton is currently battling the Dallas Stars in the 2024 Western Conference Finals. If they fail to win the Stanley Cup this season, DeBrusk could help his hometown team push for it next season.
Unlike the other destinations, the Oilers don’t need scoring. In fact, they are already one of the best offensive teams in the league. That said, Edmonton is set to lose a few of their key bottom-six pieces. Warren Foegele, Adam Henrique, Corey Perry, and Sam Carrick are among the team’s pending free agents.
DeBrusk could come to Edmonton and play a role down the lineup. He provides more scoring punch, which only serves to fortify an already terrifying offensive attack. And the Edmonton native has a chance to compete for the Stanley Cup. At the very least, he would have a better chance with the Oilers than he would with most other teams.
The Oilers are projected to have around $10 million in salary cap space this summer. They likely need to clear some cap off their books if they want Jake DeBrusk. But bringing the Edmonton native home would certainly benefit them as they prepare for another Stanley Cup run next season.
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