The 2021-2022 campaign has been full of ups and downs for Jake DeBrusk. The former first-round pick has bounced around the lineup and requested a trade from Boston two months ago.
He has, however, shown up for his teammates as he makes the best of the current situation. With the trade deadline only weeks away, the Edmonton native is playing some of his best hockey of the season.
Entering January, DeBrusk had eight points on the season. However, his production has gone up over the last few weeks as he has nearly matched that total with five. As the Bruins have looked like a different team so far in 2022, DeBrusk has been aggressive with the puck and landed 24 shots on net.
Additionally, the 25-year-old has points in consecutive games for the first time since November. Due to injuries, DeBrusk briefly saw some time on the top line and had arguably his best game of the year. On Friday night, that continued on the third line as he helped set up two of the Bruins three goals in a close win over Winnipeg.
Oskar on point. 🎉 #BudLightCelly | @budlight pic.twitter.com/OTMFuEGScW
— Boston Bruins (@NHLBruins) January 22, 2022
Through 33 games this season, DeBrusk has six goals and seven assists. He has landed 15 hits and is winning 50 percent of his faceoffs, a career best. While the 2015 draftee does not have an overwhelming goal total, he is creating chances in the offensive zone. His play has also impressed Bruce Cassidy.
"“[DeBrusk] did a good job up there. When [Brad Marchand] goes out, Jake certainly has elements to bring on offense.”"
Additionally, DeBrusk’s recent success has partly been due to his willingness to attack the net. The former 14th overall pick has used his speed for hard net drives and been noticeable on the ice. Although his future is full of uncertainty, his improved play has come at the perfect time.
Regardless of where DeBrusk ends up, he is making the most of his time with the Bruins in 2022. Before the New year, he had one assist in December. He has already tripled that total with four games left to go in the month. For a team in need of a scoring boost on the third line, DeBrusk could be a solution with points at a premium.
As the Bruins have benefited from the winger’s increased production, DeBrusk has improved on his offense totals from last year. He has also come through in the clutch with three game-winning goals after only recording one last season.
While he could be on the move soon, DeBrusk is showing that he can still make an impact.