NHL Atlantic Division: Each team’s breakout candidate

Boston Bruins – Jake DeBrusk

The Boston Bruins have become excellent at growing their own talent. From multiple Stanley Cup runs to transitioning to the next era, the Bruins always seem to find the perfect players for their system. Jake DeBrusk is one of those players.

Born in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada and drafted 14th overall in 2015, DeBrusk brings a strong two-way game ready for the NHL level. On top of that, his growing offensive skills make him an interesting breakout candidate heading into the 2018-19 season.

Apart from skill, DeBrusk likes to win. Dating back to his last two years of AAA hockey, he has never missed the playoffs. He finished his junior career with the Red Deer Rebels, after being traded by the Swift Current Broncos, and went a point-per-game in 17 playoff games with his new team.

At the AHL level, DeBrusk played just one season, and scored 19 goals with 49 assists in 74 games. He was given a full-time NHL gig last year, and amassed 16 goals and 27 assists in 70 games. More impressively, he played in 12 playoff games for the Bruins, scoring six goals and  two assists. This year, DeBrusk will get plenty of opportunity to improve on those numbers, and it would be no surprise to see career-highs across the board.

He is already off to a fine start this preseason.

The Bruins look like a playoff team, and even if DeBrusk doesn’t lead the team in scoring, he will surely make his mark in the regular season and, most likely, the playoffs.