According to NHL source and radio personality Nick Kypreos, the Toronto Maple Leafs are interested in the Boston Bruins’ pending unrestricted free agent (UFA), Jake DeBrusk. In his most recent piece for the Toronto Star, Kypreos wrote: “There’s word they may have interest in pending Bruins free agent Jake DeBrusk, who’s been a Leafs playoff killer over the years.” (from ‘The Maple Leafs tried but failed to land Jacob Markstrom. It’s time to make goaltending a priority’ (The Toronto Star, June 19, 2024)
If this is the true, and the Maple Leafs are interested in DeBrusk, he will most likely replace either Max Domi or Tyler Bertuzzi. Not that they won’t be interested in bringing them both back, but their anticipated cap space is only $20 million. If they sign DeBrusk, he might take up a fourth of the expected cap space, leaving insufficient room to sign both Domi and Bertuzzi.
Where Would DeBrusk Fit?
DeBrusk would be an excellent fit for the Maple Leafs’ second line, alongside Mitch Marner and John Tavares. He adds speed to the lineup and has a proven track record of attacking ability, which might strengthen that line. He is extremely versatile and can play both wings, which might make him a good match for William Nylander.
In his most recent essay, Kypreos stated that “the Leafs continue to look at all options when it comes to their top-six forwards next season.” This makes sense; they need to retool their top six and see what they can get in free agency. With that said, it’s understandable that they’d be interested in DeBrusk. He could play on the wing of either the first or second line, giving the Maple Leafs a more skilled and dependable version of Alex Kerfoot. Once he gets a coach’s trust, he may be deployed in a variety of scenarios, especially on the power play, where he excels and has the potential to make a significant impact.
Predicting DeBrusk’s Contract with the Maple Leafs
If the Maple Leafs sign DeBrusk, it seems likely that either Bertuzzi or Domi will not return. DeBrusk appears to be a stronger replacement for Bertuzzi than Domi, as both are wingers. Ideally, the Maple Leafs would try to sign him to a deal with a mid-tier average yearly value and term, perhaps around $4.5-5 million over five years.
At only 27 years old, DeBrusk should be signed till the end of Auston Matthews’ deal. The reason for this is that the window to victory will most likely be closing. After those five seasons, if Matthews chooses to depart the club as a UFA and the team decides to retool, having contracts like DeBrusk’s off the books would be quite beneficial. Until then, the Maple Leafs will strive to acquire the most valuable contacts possible. DeBrusk would be an excellent choice for not only Toronto, but all playoff-contending clubs.
Ideally, the Maple Leafs would sign both DeBrusk and one of Domi or Bertuzzi before focusing on their blue line. If they employ the majority of their projected cap space to improve their back end, the team will go a long way in the playoffs and might perhaps compete for the Stanley Cup. DeBrusk might help the Maple Leafs make a deep run by scoring in the playoffs. That is something the fundamental members of their squad lacked, but he did not. According to Kypreos, he has “been a Leafs playoff killer over the years.” All Leafs Nation hopes he becomes a postseason killer for them rather than an opponent.
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