The Boston Bruins have a fantastic chance at making a Stanley Cup push this season, but if they can't get there, they've got an incredibly tough summer ahead of them.
Jake DeBrusk to leave the Bruins for home?
While most people expected the 27-year old to test the free agent market this summer, a report from Boston Hockey Now has all but confirmed this, claiming that whether it's in Boston or somewhere via trade in the next few weeks, DeBrusk is seen as a 'rental' for the rest of the year.
«Does he wind up back west as a playoff rental for a contender out there we've all heard the Oilers rumors or does he become a playoff rental for the Bruins,» an unnamed NHL source explained to Boston Hockey Now. «It sure doesn't seem like he's signing an extension if he signs one before the season's over.»
Unsurprisingly, DeBrusk has been linked to both the Calgary Flames and Edmonton Oilers given that he's a native of Alberta in Canada, and after already requesting one trade from the Bruins, it makes sense for him to go after the most money on the open market.
When asked about his future as a Boston Bruin, DeBrusk gave a typical hockey answer about his focus being on this season, while reiterating that he's interested in staying in Boston, despite most expecting him to depart at the end of the year.
«Yeah, of course,» Debrusk replied before the question finished. «That's what I've been consistent with since I think the first time I was asked was in the summer but yeah. This is all I know, and I grew up here and have obviously evolved and grown in different ways. It's one of those things where I want to win here. We were one game away in '19, and I want to win a Cup here in Boston. So that's my complete focus.»
With a career high 50 points a season ago, it's clear that he's coming into his prime as an NHLer, and with both the Oilers and Flames needing depth, talent and experience in their forward groups, so keep an eye on him to be a key free agent this summer.
