Jake DeBrusk – Left Wing – 14th Overall 2015
Year-to-Date: 21 Games – Three Goals – Nine Assists – 12 Points – 11 PIMs – Minus-3
Jake DeBrusk is an interesting case, to say the least. The 20-year-old left winger has dealt with adversity since being drafted, including a disappointing season and a significant injury, but has done his part to continue to grow.
In his first season in the WHL with the Swift Current Broncos, DeBrusk skated in 72 games and scored 15 goals and 39 points. It was his second season, however, that earned him the attention fo scouts across the NHL.
The Edmonton native scored 42 goals and 81 points in 72 games and showcased his ability as a sniper. That ability earned him praise from scouts and earned him the honor of hearing his name being called with the 14th overall draft pick in 2015. One knock on DeBrusk at the time, however, was his two-way ability. To make it in the NHL, it’s no secret that teams covet responsible players who aren’t entirely one-dimensional – there are exceptions, but not in Claude Julien’s system in Boston.
A Different Style of Game for DeBrusk
DeBrusk’s second season was split between the Broncos and the Red Deer Rebels and was hampered by the aforementioned disturbing injury. DeBrusk made a conscious effort to improve his two-way game, but that ultimately affected his ability to scores goals at the same rate. He finished the season with 21 goals and 55 points in 51 games, an impressive point total, but a disappointing dropoff in goals from his 42-goal career-high just one season prior.
DeBrusk was able to find his scoring touch again in the playoffs, however, scoring eight goals and 17 points in 17 games with the Rebels that season.
DeBrusk’s first season in Providence has been a deceiving one so far. His stat line may indicate that he only has three goals and nine points in 21 games, but many ignore the fact that he is also currently second in the AHL in shots-on-net with 78 through 22 games. While his pucks aren’t finding the back of the net, it isn’t for lack of trying, and eventually, they will start to find their way through. Additionally, DeBrusk has looked good in his own zone and away from the puck, and as a result, his development isn’t as disappointing as his point total may indicate thus far.