Professional
Ranked number 19 on the NHL Central Scouting Bureau's list of North American skaters eligible for the 2015 NHL Entry Draft, [4] DeBrusk was selected in the first round, 14th overall, by the Boston Bruins. [5] On November 12, 2015, while playing with Red Deer during the 2015–16 Western Hockey League season, DeBrusk signed a three-year entry-level contract with Boston [6] and was assigned to the Providence Bruins for the 2016–17 season.
DeBrusk played 74 games with the Providence Bruins in which he totaled 49 points. [7]
DeBrusk's first-ever NHL goal occurred as the Bruins opened their 2017–18 regular season against the Nashville Predators on October 5, 2017. His goal was the second of four goals the Bruins scored in a 4–3 home-ice win over Nashville, with his father Louie DeBrusk and family in the stands at TD Garden to witness the event. He also assisted on another Bruins goal in the game, joining fellow Bruins rookie defenseman Charlie McAvoy in garnering two points each, in each skater's first regular-season NHL game. [8] [9] [10] [11] [12]
By the end of his rookie season with the Bruins, DeBrusk scored 43 points and regularly played on the second line. [7]
On November 23, 2020, DeBrusk signed a two-year, $7.35 million contract with the Bruins, with an annual cap hit of $3.675 million. [13]
On November 29, 2021, DeBrusk requested a trade from the Bruins. [14]
On February 28, 2022, DeBrusk scored a natural hat trick, scoring the first three goals in a 7–0 victory over the Los Angeles Kings. [15] Amidst a hot scoring streak, and playing with Bruins stars Patrice Bergeron and Brad Marchand, questions were raised whether DeBrusk had a change of heart about his trade request earlier in the season. However, his agent later reiterated that DeBrusk still wanted to be traded. [16]
On March 21, 2022, the day of the 2022 NHL Trade deadline, DeBrusk signed a two-year, $8 million extension with the Bruins. [17] It was speculated the signing was meant to more easily facilitate a trade from Boston, as there had been no indication his earlier trade request had been rescinded; however the deadline passed without Debrusk being moved.
On July 5, 2022, it was reported that DeBrusk rescinded his trade request. [18] The report came shortly after the Bruins fired head coach Bruce Cassidy, leading to questions whether Cassidy was the factor in DeBrusk's trade request and the later rescinding of it. DeBrusk neither confirmed or denied these rumors when asked about it later in the offseason during a captain's practice. [19] DeBrusk had his best season yet in 2022–23, registering a career high 50 points, and tying his career high in goals, with 27, despite missing time due to injury. [20]
