Can the struggling forward turn it around or is it time to move on?
Jake DeBrusk, who has been one of the most disappointing players so far this year, had high expectations to break out this season after signing a 2 year bridge deal worth 3.67 million annually. In fact, he has done the exact opposite of breaking out and has regressed to the point where he is having the worst season of his career. He has played both the left and right wing mostly on the 2nd and 3rd line but had some time on the 1st line when Pastrnak was still recovering at the beginning of the season.
The 24 year old first round pick first burst onto the scene in the 17-18 season with 43 points as a rookie. He potted 16 goals and 27 assists but he was known that year for his monster role in the first round series against Toronto in the playoffs where he had 5 goals including 2 goals in the comeback of game 7. Things were looking so bright for the young forward, who at that point had superstar potential on the Bruins if he could continue to develop and improve his game. With his elite skating, skills, and shot he was bound to play a key role in the top six if the Bruins wanted to be a serious contender. His next season he had 27 goals but only 15 assists equaling 42 points, so in my opinion his game had improved because he was scoring a lot more which is important but he was still putting up the same amount of points which was disappointing to some critics. Last season however is when he truly regressed, going on cold streaks at points where he would not score for 10 games, with only 35 points, 19 goals and 16 assists. The skill was there however, but fans wanted him to break out and stop being a very streaky hot and cold player.
Fast forward to this current season, where all he has done is disappointed in every single aspect. There have always been questions of his work ethic, but it is so evidently clear this season of games where he has simply not put the effort needed to succeed. In 17 games played this season, he has put up a lousy 1 goal and 4 assists. He has no 5 vs 5 goals this season despite having one of the highest rates in the league of starting on faceoffs in the offensive zone. Has he gotten unlucky this season? The answer is yes, but that is not an excuse for someone as talented as him. A player in this league can have all the talent in the world but if he is not prepared mentally or is not putting in the proper effort then chances are they are going to fail. It is so sad and frustrating to watch because we saw what he did when he first came into the league and we know he is capable skillswise of being a very good scorer and playmaker. At the forward position on this team he is arguably top 4 in terms of skill, speed, shot, and maybe even the best skater. That is what makes it hesitant to give up on him, but how does this get handled and where do you draw the line if you are Bruce Cassidy?
Cassidy has a few options with the slumping Jake DeBrusk. He could continue to keep playing him and see if he can find his game, but in my opinion that can’t keep going on as no improvement has been seen this far into the season. In my opinion he should scratch him for a game or two and have him sit upstairs and watch the game where he can refocus and get himself straight mentally. Then, once he gets inserted into the lineup again he will play with a sense of urgency and I feel that is what is missing from the kid. There is no reason to keep playing him for the same results every night. After being scratched, that could be a rude awakening for him and the much needed spark to get himself back on track and where the Bruins need him to be.
The last option is to trade the winger at the deadline. Now, for all we know Sweeney could be already exploring options to move him for a middle six winger. Rumors are swirling around that the Bruins are interested in Ducks winger Richard Rakell and Predators winger Filip Forsberg. Any trade that sent DeBrusk with picks and maybe a prospect could significantly help the Bruins middle six because they are more consistent and proven. I would not be against any of the options I mentioned for what to do with DeBrusk moving forward besides to keep constantly playing him. I really want to see DeBrusk succeed overall, and I would love that to be Boston but if he can’t find his game soon here then I hope he gets moved for winger help and he succeeds elsewhere.
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