What Could Jake DeBrusk's Next Contract Look Like?

When playing with Patrice Bergeron and Brad Marchand last season, DeBrusk tied his career high for goals with 27, and if it were not for an injury setback, he may have established a new record. With Patrice Bergeron, one of his linemates, having retired this summer, Jake DeBrusk will be without a key piece in his success. 

It will be interesting to see if DeBrusk continues to thrive while playing alongside a new center. Even though he will be an unrestricted free agent (UFA) for the first time in his career, he recently expressed his desire to be a Bruin. So, how would his next deal be structured?

With DeBrusk speaking out about wanting to stay a Bruin and coming off a career year, it is anticipated that he will be getting a good pay raise. «I'm hoping to stay [with the Boston Bruins]. It's the only team that I know and the team that I grew up with,» DeBrusk said. «Hopefully it goes in that direction, and we'll see how it goes. That's why I have an agent (Rick Valette), and I told him I wanted to stay out of this one and in time, it'll be nice when it all gets done.» Jake DeBrusk said to NHL.com

DeBrusk may receive an increase in pay, but depending on how much he desires to remain a Bruin, he may potentially accept a lower pay. Look at Brandon Hage and the Tampa Bay Lightning. His $52 million, eight-year contract has an average annual value (AAV) of $6.5 million. Prior to last season, Hagel's previous high for goals was 21, and he had 30 goals and 24 assists. Hagel had 3 more goals than DeBrusk, who tied his career high with 27. He has played crucial first-line minutes the past two seasons, scoring 52 goals and dishing out 40 assists. He has three seasons with 20 goals, compared to Hagel's two. For DeBrusk, a reasonable contract would be eight years at 6.75 million AAV for $54 million. Although it may seem like a lot now, Boston could gain from the exchange in the long run.

As seen on: The Hockey Writers