Kraken Join Race for Jake DeBrusk

DeBrusk, who scored 19 goals and tallied 40 points in 80 games last season, has become a hot commodity during free agency. Several teams, including the Edmonton Oilers and the Toronto Maple Leafs, have shown significant interest in him. According to Jimmy Murphy, other teams monitoring DeBrusk include the Detroit Red Wings, Montreal Canadiens, New Jersey Devils, and Utah HC.

DeBrusk, 27, has had a tumultuous relationship with the Bruins, having requested a trade, rescinded it, and then requested one again. His career has seen ups and downs, largely due to injuries and competition for ice time on a deep Bruins roster.

The former 14th overall pick in the 2015 draft has scored over 25 goals in a season three times and reached the 50-point mark once. Known for his playoff experience, DeBrusk has been one of the Bruins' standout performers in the postseason over the past two years.

While his offensive stats may not be eye-popping, DeBrusk brings a physical edge and is not afraid to mix it up after the whistle, often trying to get under his opponents' skin. His connections to the Oilers and Maple Leafs are strong, given his roots. His father, Louie DeBrusk, works for Sportsnet covering the Oilers, and Jake was born in Edmonton. Additionally, his father was born and raised just outside of Toronto.

After signing a two-year, $4M AAV contract before the 2022-23 season, DeBrusk is now a UFA and will be seeking a pay raise and a longer-term contract. While the Oilers and Maple Leafs have strong ties to him, neither team has the cap space to outbid the Kraken if a bidding war ensues.

The Kraken are determined to secure a top-end forward, and July 1st will reveal if they can follow through on their promise.

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