Some believed that DeBrusk's emergence was due to Bruce Cassidy's departure and Jim Montgomery's arrival. However, the turnaround began earlier when Cassidy promoted DeBrusk to the Bruins' top line alongside Patrice Bergeron and Brad Marchand.
While appearing on the WEEI Skate Podcast with Scott McLaughlin, the forward expressed how Bergeron and Marchand essentially rescued his career:
In the 2021-22 season, DeBrusk collected just 15 points in Boston's first 43 games (14 points in 41 games in 2020-21). After the promotion, he ended up with 18 goals and 27 points in his last 34 games.
Now 26, DeBrusk has sustained his solid play this season, recording 25 goals and 23 assists in 59 games. With 5 games remaining, the only career-high he hasn't surpassed is his 27 goals from the 2018-19 season.
This is despite missing 17 games due to a broken fibula, while scoring 2 goals in the Winter Classic's third period�practically on one leg.
As read on Bruins Insider - DeBrusk Credits Career Turnaround to Specific Teammates.
POLL | ||
6 AVRIL | 104 ANSWERS DeBrusk Attributes Career Revival to Particular Teammates Will Jake DeBrusk break his career-high in goals this season? | ||
Yes | 84 | 80.8 % |
No | 20 | 19.2 % |
List of polls |