4 Bruins Who Won't Return Next Season

4. Jake DeBrusk, RW/LW

When it comes to the Bruins' pending free agents, Jake DeBrusk is one player that a lot of fans don't want to see leave. The 27-year-old — who was drafted 14th overall by Boston in 2014 — has played 465 games across seven seasons with the franchise, racking up 138 goals and 128 assists along the way.

After years of showing glimpses of his potential, DeBrusk finally put things together in 2022-23 when he recorded 27 goals and a career-high 50 points in 64 games. He couldn't quite pull off a duplicate performance this past season, though, finishing with 19 goals and 40 points in 80 games.

But after disappointing in the regular season, DeBrusk put things back together in the playoffs. He was one of the Bruins' best players at both ends of the ice through two rounds, tallying 11 points while averaging over 18 minutes of ice time in 13 postseason appearances.

On one hand, DeBrusk's playoff performance could've been enough to convince the Bruins to re-sign him. On the other hand, his electric showing likely didn't go unnoticed around the league and it wouldn't be surprising if it enticed a few clubs to pursue him in free agency.

Could DeBrusk return to Boston? Yes, but let's also not act like he didn't make trade requests in the past. Even though he ultimately rescinded the request and seems to be enjoying his time with the Bruins, there's always the possibility that he wants to explore his worth and, potentially, a bigger role on another team.

DeBrusk is at the age where veteran players seek as much money as possible. Although the Bruins can offer him a decent amount of money, it might not compare to the potential overpayment he could find on the open market.

If that's the case, we've seen the last of DeBrusk in Beantown.

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