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Bruins Are Already Missing Former Star Big Time

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1 month ago

October 20, 2024

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Bruins Are Already Missing Former Star Big Time

The Boston Bruins’ start to the 2024-25 season has been mixed. At the time of this writing, they sport a 3-2-1 record. Overall, they have certainly had some strong moments, but there are also some clear red flags early on.

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Perhaps the Bruins’ most significant flaw early on this season has been their second line. It has struggled to produce, and multiple changes have already been made to it because of it. With this, it is apparent that the Bruins are missing Jake DeBrusk already this young season.

DeBrusk, 28, was a significant part of the Bruins’ top six for multiple years. During this past season with the Original Six club, he had 19 goals and 40 points in 80 games. This was after he had 27 goals and 50 points in 64 games with the Bruins in 2022-23.

Jake DeBrusk <p><button class= — Jake DeBrusk

© Bob DeChiara-Imagn Images

While DeBrusk had some consistency problems last season, he still ended the season with solid numbers. He was also the Bruins’ top skater during the playoffs, recording five goals and 11 points in 13 games. With the Bruins’ second line struggling offensively, it is clear that they are missing DeBrusk’s production right now.

DeBrusk is also off to a hot start this season with the Vancouver Canucks, posting four assists and a plus-1 rating in five games.

Ultimately, it is understandable that the Bruins used their cap space to sign big-name free agents like Elias Lindholm and Nikita Zadorov. They needed to improve both down the middle and on the left side of their defense. However, it also made it challenging to find a proper top-six winger in free agency to replace DeBrusk. As a result, the Bruins will likely hope to add another winger before the trade deadline passes.