Sharks Free Agent Targets: Bruins' Jake DeBrusk Would Be A Perfect Fit

The San Jose Sharks must supplement their young core with bonified NHL players, and Boston Bruins forward Jake DeBrusk fits the bill.

DeBrusk, 27, has had an up-and-down tenure with the Bruins. At times, he's been an excellent offensive contributor who can do the dirty work on a forecheck; other times, he seemingly disappears. There were even rumblings during the 2022 offseason that he requested a trade but ultimately agreed with the Bruins.

Now, as a pending UFA, DeBrusk can freely look at new options. He had a down regular season with 19 goals after finishing with 25 and 27 goals the two years prior. He followed his tough season with a strong playoff run, scoring five goals and 11 points in 13 games.

DeBrusk is also a responsible defensive forward. He scored two shorthanded goals this season on the Bruins' top penalty-kill unit.

The winger's cap hit was $4 million in the last two seasons and after another okay regular season. His playoff performance likely pushed his value higher, but no definitive number suggests his value.

DeBrusk has a strong, well-rounded game, and his skill complements his play perfectly. He has often been one of the Bruins' first shooters whenever they head into a shootout.

With Will Smith coming aboard and eventually Macklin Celebrini, either this season or next, GM Mike Grier needs to find quality players to teach the prospects what it is like to play in the NHL.

DeBrusk brings valuable playoff experience and would come from a culture of winning. The Bruins had the greatest regular season of all time in 2022-23, and despite losing their top two centers in 23-24, they were another top team in the NHL.

At 27, there is room for Grier to give him a four-to-five-year contract without having to worry about decline due to age. DeBrusk has entered his prime, and although the Sharks aren't close to winning like the Bruins, they look like they are on the way up, and the Bruins could be on the way down soon.

San Jose's defense core needs the most work in adding NHL talent, but complementing Smith, Celebrini, William Eklund, and others with a winger like DeBrusk seems like a no-brainer chance to take.

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