Could the Calgary Flames and Edmonton Oilers pursue Alberta native Jake DeBrusk if he becomes a free agent next July?
Bruins Forward Jake Debrusk Could Be Alberta Bound
In a recent interview with Boston Hockey Now, Bruins winger Jake DeBrusk expressed his desire to sign a contract extension with the Bruins, emphasizing his connection to the team and his goal of winning a Cup in Boston.
«Yeah, of course,» Debrusk replied before the question was even finished. «That's what I've been consistent with since I think the first time I was asked was in the summer but yeah. This is all I know, and I grew up here and have obviously evolved and grown in different ways. It's one of those things where I want to win here. We were one game away in '19, and I want to win a Cup here in Boston. So that's my complete focus.»
While the DeBrusk camp seems prepared for a deal, the Boston Bruins have been relatively quiet about the impending free agency of the 27-year-old winger. DeBrusk's value has been on the rise, with 12 goals and 13 assists in 47 games this season.
Pierre McGuire, a longtime NHL analyst, suggested that DeBrusk's agent could use contracts like Drake Batherson's and Travis Konecny's as comparables in negotiations.
«If I were the agent, I'd be using [Ottawa Senators forward] Drake Batherson (six years, $29.8 million, $4.9M AAV) as one comparable, and I'd be using [Philadelphia Flyers forward] Travis Konecny (six years, $33 million, $5.5M AAV), as another comparable,» McGuire said. «And, know that those deals were signed a couple of years ago, so there's going to be inflation in favor of DeBrusk.»
However, McGuire warned that if the Bruins don't sign him, an Alberta team, either Edmonton or Calgary, could offer him a substantial contract. McGuire sees a need for a player like DeBrusk in the province of Alberta and believes he would be well taken care of by either team.
«But here's what I do know: If the Bruins don't sign him and, I don't know if they will or won't, I'm sure they value him I guarantee him an Alberta team will offer him a major contract,» McGuire said. «I guarantee you, whether it's Edmonton or Calgary, he's going to be taken care of in the province of Alberta. That's if Boston doesn't sign him, and that's not a scare tactic; it's reality. I mean, there's a need there for that type of player.»
The situation with Jake DeBrusk's contract remains uncertain, and the possibility of him attracting interest from Alberta teams adds an intriguing element to the equation.
