Boston Bruins: Who will be the breakout player this season?
By Bryan Murphy
Jake DeBrusk takes a major leap forward in a contract year
If there is any Bruin that desperately needs a breakout season, it’s Jake DeBrusk.
The first round pick from 2015 had a career-low year last season. He was demoted off the second line, constantly brought up in trade rumors and even was healthy scratched on multiple occasions. The year couldn’t have gone much worse for DeBrusk, who recorded just five goals and 14 points in 41 games.
The good news is things can only (hopefully) go up for DeBrusk. Bruce Cassidy has seen what DeBrusk is capable of. He can be the spark plug, using his speed to get in on the forecheck and drive to the net. It’s what made him so effective in the Bruins’ playoff runs in 2018, 2019 and 2020.
If DeBrusk can get back to his formal self and provide scoring depth on the third line, it will be beneficial to both the Bruins and DeBrusk. He’s looked strong so far in the preseason, but it is just the preseason. He needs to prove it in the regular season.