Leading up to the 2024 NHL Trade Deadline, Jake DeBrusk was the subject of trade rumors. 
It was understandable, as he had the potential to be a strong bargaining chip for the Bruins to improve their roster elsewhere. His pending UFA status also naturally led to more speculation.
However, the Bruins elected to keep DeBrusk in Boston past the deadline. Overall, this is certainly not a bad thing, as the 2015 first-round pick is an impactful top-six forward when playing at his best. Along with that, he also has been on fire lately, posting two goals and six points over his last four games.
While the Bruins decided to keep DeBrusk on their roster for the rest of the season, they still have a significant decision to make with him. As noted above, his contract expires this summer, and he can be a free agent. Will the Bruins keep him around or let him walk for nothing?
DeBrusk has had a shaky 2023-24 season, as he has 15 goals and 33 points in 64 games. This offensive production is not necessarily bad, but it is lower than expected. Along with that, he has had multiple long cold stretches this campaign. For example, from Jan. 24 to March 2nd, he had just two points in 15 games.
Yet, when noting that DeBrusk has emerged as a key part of Boston’s forward group, it would be risky not to bring him back. We will need to wait and see what Boston does, but this is undoubtedly an off-ice storyline to pay attention to from here
