Bruins Aren't Sure If This Star Wants To Play in Boston Anymore

General manager Don Sweeney expressed the team's desire for clarity:

While DeBrusk's situation bears some resemblance to David Pastrnak's last year, when the Bruins acted swiftly to secure an eight-year, $90 million extension, there has been no similar engagement with DeBrusk's agent, Rick Valette.

DeBrusk is expected to play a pivotal role for the Bruins, stepping into the top-six wing position, even without Patrice Bergeron as his center. Coach Jim Montgomery believes he's ready to become a go-to player, not just a complementary one.

DeBrusk's growth and maturity as a player are evident, as he now excels in all situations, including power play and penalty killing. The challenge for the Bruins is determining his long-term value and compensation. He is eligible for an eight-year extension, but the terms remain uncertain.

As the season begins, the most likely scenario is a status quo in contract talks. DeBrusk's performance will be a significant factor in shaping his bargaining position. If he thrives, he could strengthen his case for a lucrative extension. However, a slow start might lead the Bruins to consider other investment options, particularly in the center position.

While the Bruins expect to remain competitive, significant roster turnover raises questions about their future performance. Depending on how the season unfolds, DeBrusk's fate may become clearer. If playoffs seem unlikely, a trade for future assets could be on the horizon. The Bruins must carefully evaluate their options before committing to a long-term contract, as they learned from the Pastrnak situation last year.

For now, DeBrusk may have to be patient as his future with the Bruins hangs in the balance.

As seen on theathletic