2. Jake DeBrusk
Sweeney’s middle pick in the 2015 draft at No. 14, Jake DeBrusk has become a staple on the Bruins second line next to veteran center David Krejci.
In 2018-19, he scored a career-high 27 goals and was on pace for his second consecutive 20-goal season in 2019-20 with 19 when the season was paused with 12 games remaining in the regular season because of the coronavirus pandemic. He has also become a power play producer with eight goals two seasons ago and seven last season.
Struggling with secondary scoring last season, the Bruins recently re-signed DeBrusk to a two-year bridge deal for $7.35 million to remain with Boston. The contract carries a $3.675 average annual value (AAV). Inconsistency has been an issue with DeBrusk, but being a 20-30 a year goal scorer is not out of the question.
1. Charlie McAvoy
Selected 14th in the 2016 draft, Charlie McAvoy has elevated his play quickly in his three and half years with the Bruins and is now a top-pairing defenseman.
The Boston University product has played in 184 regular-season games with 19 goals and 73 assists. In 2019-20, he tied a career-high with 32 points, which he see his rookie campaign in 2017-2018. He had a career-high 27 assists last season.
With Torey Krug gone to the St. Louis Blues in free agency, McAvoy’s role with the Bruins is going to be even that more important this season, both 5-on-5 and the power play. McAvoy is becoming one of the top defensemen in the league and he has a chance to take the reigns and lead the Boston defense for years to come.
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McAvoy will be in his second year of a three-year, $14.7 million contract in 2019-20.