Oilers Reportedly Interested in Free Agent Jake DeBrusk

Jake DeBrusk's era with the Boston Bruins seems to be drawing to a close. With his eligibility for unrestricted free agency starting on Monday, there have been no signs of a contract extension from the Bruins. This development signals a significant change for DeBrusk, who has spent his entire NHL career with Boston since being drafted.

DeBrusk's Free Agency Status

On Thursday, Sportsnet's Elliotte Friedman discussed DeBrusk's situation on "Oilers Now" with Bob Stauffer. Friedman indicated that the Bruins have resigned themselves to the reality that DeBrusk will test the free agency market. Among the teams reportedly interested in acquiring his services are the Edmonton Oilers.

“I’ve heard a few places. I’ve heard Seattle, I’ve heard the two Alberta teams, I’ve heard Nashville. There are a lot of teams looking for scoring. The fact that Boston is basically conceding that he’s going to the market means that DeBrusk knows there’s something out there for him,” Friedman said.

Career Highlights and Challenges

DeBrusk was chosen 14th overall by the Bruins in the 2015 NHL Draft. Over seven seasons with Boston, he accumulated 138 goals and 266 points across 465 games. His rookie season in 2017-18 saw him net 16 goals, which he followed up with a breakout 27-goal performance the next season. During that time, he also played a crucial role in the Bruins' run to the Stanley Cup Final, contributing 11 points in 24 playoff games.

Despite his early success, DeBrusk frequently found himself the subject of trade rumors. His position on the team was challenged during the shortened 2021 season, as he fell behind players like Nick Ritchie and Taylor Hall on the depth chart. That season, he managed only five goals and 14 points over 41 games and was a healthy scratch on multiple occasions.

In November 2021, Friedman reported that DeBrusk and the Bruins were actively exploring trade options to provide him with a fresh start. However, no trade materialized, and DeBrusk responded by bouncing back with 25 goals in 77 games during the 2021-22 season. He subsequently signed a two-year, $8 million contract extension and continued to perform solidly, scoring 27 goals in 2022-23 and 19 goals in 2023-24.

Potential Trade and Free Agency Dynamics

The uncertainty around DeBrusk's future persisted, with trade speculations rekindling earlier this year. In February, Jimmy Murphy of Boston Hockey Now cited an anonymous NHL executive who suggested that the Bruins might consider trading DeBrusk before the deadline due to stalled contract extension negotiations.

“Does he wind up back west as a playoff rental for a contender out there – we’ve all heard the Oilers rumors – or does he become a playoff rental for the Bruins?” an NHL source questioned in Boston Hockey Now. “It sure doesn’t seem like he’s signing an extension – if he signs one – before the season’s over.”

DeBrusk's Connection to Edmonton and the Oilers

DeBrusk’s ties to Edmonton make the Oilers a natural fit in these discussions. He was born and raised in Edmonton, and his father, Louie DeBrusk, played for the Oilers in the 1990s and currently serves as a color commentator for the team’s local broadcasts. These connections fuel the persistent rumors linking DeBrusk to the Oilers whenever his name comes up in trade speculations.

With DeBrusk now set to become a free agent, the possibility of him joining the Oilers is stronger than ever. The Oilers, looking to bolster their forward lines, could find DeBrusk a valuable addition. They currently have Ryan Nugent-Hopkins, Evander Kane, and Dylan Holloway under contract as top-six left-handed forwards. If Warren Foegele is not re-signed, DeBrusk could fill the gap as a second- or third-line scorer, providing the Oilers with the depth and scoring ability they need.

Conclusion

Jake DeBrusk's departure from the Boston Bruins marks the end of a significant chapter in his career. His journey with the team has been filled with notable achievements and challenges, from scoring crucial goals in his early seasons to navigating the pressures and rumors of potential trades. As he steps into free agency, the interest from multiple teams, including the Edmonton Oilers, highlights his value and the fresh opportunities that await him. For the Oilers, securing DeBrusk could be a strategic move to enhance their scoring depth and strengthen their roster for future playoff contention. As the free agency period unfolds, DeBrusk's next steps will be closely watched by fans and analysts alike, eager to see where his talents will take him next.