Kyle Dubas and the Penguins may finally sign Jake DeBrusk
Photo credit: Boston Hockey Now
After seven years as a left-wing forward with the Boston Bruins, it seems that the Pittsburgh Penguins will finally have a chance to pull in UFA Jake DeBrusk.
When Jake DeBrusk returned to the ice for the playoffs against the Toronto Maple Leafs after a less-than-stellar season, few fans knew what to expect. However, the 27-year-old forward proved instrumental in advancing the team to the second round, getting them two goals in the first game.
"THE BRUINS WIN 5-1 OVER THE MAPLE LEAFS TO TAKE A 1-0 SERIES LEAD. JOHNNY BEECHER GOT HIS FIRST PLAYOFF GOAL, WHILE BRANDON CARLO AND TRENT FREDERIC SCORED GOALS OF THEIR OWN. JAKE DEBRUSK OWNS THE LEAFS, SCORING TWO. JEREMY SWAYMAN IS ELITE, MAKING 35 SAVES. YOU LOVE TO SEE IT"
Must read on Hockey Trade Rumours
Yet, Boston may be out one of their top players going into the next season. Though the Bruins have substantial cap space, DeBrusk is going into unrestricted free agency and may look elsewhere for his next pot on the ice. General Manager Don Sweeney has made it clear he would prefer to keep the player but is unable to confirm his spot on the team.
"I would prefer to have Jake DeBrusk on our team, but he has some opportunity in front of him that he may pursue otherwise."
With DeBrusk's possible availability, Pittsburgh may have a chance to scoop this player up. Earlier today, Inside the Penguins released a video on the potential of this target for the team, iterating that he could be the best option to replace Rielly Smith in their forward lineup.
"There's a good chance the Penguins move on from Rielly Smith, and if they do so, then that $5 million opens right up. And if you insert a guy like Jake DeBrusk, who I think fits the Penguins mold a lot better than Rielly Smith did coming into last season, I think it's a pretty fair trade-off for the Pittsburgh Penguins and it doesn't significantly change what you're looking at as for as your salary cap
"
Nick makes a solid point about what Jake DeBrusk can bring to the team, which is a solid, cooperative forward who can produce in the playoffs without breaking the bank. However, Pittsburgh will have to sweeten the deal, as several teams, including the Toronto Maple Leafs, are looking to pick this UFA up.
"The Leafs are expected to be 'one of a handful of teams' in the race to sign Bruins forward Jake DeBrusk this summer. [via: @TFP]
#leafsforever"
Jake DeBrusk will become available for acquisition come July 1st, with many teams knocking at his door. Hopefully for Pittsburgh, this Bruins forward will be willing to leave Boston for a spot with the Penguins.
Previously on Hockey Trade Rumours
| POLL |
31 MAI | 183 ANSWERS Kyle Dubas and the Penguins may finally sign Jake DeBrusk Should the Pittsburgh Penguins look to sign Jake DeBrusk? |
| Yes | 137 | 74.9 % |
| No | 46 | 25.1 % |
| LIST OF POLLS |
Latest 10 stories
