The 2019 RFA frenzy has just ended. Now it’s time to start thinking about the next year’s restricted free agents. Among those bigger ones in that department? Boston Bruins forward Jake DeBrusk.
Before the 2019 restricted free agents were signed, the 2020 class began to agree to terms. Young talented skaters like Clayton Keller, Alex DeBrincat, Thomas Chabot, and Samuel Girard have all inked new contracts well before reaching restricted free agency.
Would the Bruins consider doing something similar with their biggest 2020 restricted free agent in DeBrusk? DeBrusk has recorded 43-point and 42-point seasons already. Would it be too early for Boston to start thinking about extending him now?
“DeBrusk will have to wait, it appears. His agent Rick Valette says he hasn’t yet spoken with the Bruins about an extension for young Jake. The priority for the Bruins, presumably, is figuring out pending UFA blueliner Torey Krug,” the Athletic’s Pierre LeBrun said a few days ago.
DeBrincat and Keller are presumably better overall players than DeBrusk is. As a winger, DeBrincat has been able to get a three-year deal worth $6.4 million per season. He had 76 points last campaign.
As per the same source, the New York Islanders’ Matthew Barzal and Pierre-Luc Dubois of the Columbus Blue Jackets have already started their contract extension talks. It’s probably unrealistic for DeBrusk’s agent to think they will get the same deal as Barzal, for example. But Barzal was drafted two picks behind DeBrusk in the 2015 NHL Draft. The dominos have started to fall.
The Bruins are happy with the progress DeBrusk has made over his first two campaigns with them. Nevertheless, he has some injury history. The Bruins will possibly wait until after the season ends to see what they can give DeBrusk. With that said, Boston won’t shy away from repeating Charlie McAvoy’s situation, by just waiting and seeing what’s left to re-sign the 22-year-old left-winger.
