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Toronto Maple Leafs Rumored to Pursue Jake DeBrusk

There are rumors that the Toronto Maple Leafs and pending unrestricted free agent forward Jake DeBrusk have mutual interest, according to Nick Alberga.

Maple Leafs general manager Brad Treliving is reportedly keen on re-signing forwards Max Domi and Tyler Bertuzzi. However, if either or both choose not to re-sign, DeBrusk would be a viable alternative.

DeBrusk has a reputation as a ‘Leafs Killer’ due to his performance against them since his debut in the 2017-18 season with the Boston Bruins. Signing him would eliminate a formidable opponent. At 27, DeBrusk still has several productive years ahead.

Last season, DeBrusk scored 19 goals and 21 assists, totaling 40 points in 80 games, with an average ice time of 16:50 minutes. The Bruins won 56% of the minutes he played, and he had an expected goals rating of 54%. Throughout his career, DeBrusk has never finished a season with less than 50% in expected goals at 5v5.

Adding DeBrusk to the Leafs’ top six forwards would be beneficial. His career totals include 138 goals and 128 assists for 266 points in 465 games over seven seasons with the Bruins. In the 2024 NHL playoffs, he recorded five goals and six assists in 13 games, bringing his playoff totals to 27 goals and 20 assists in 86 games.

Acquiring DeBrusk would enhance the Maple Leafs’ roster. While Domi and Bertuzzi fit the team’s mold that Treliving is building, DeBrusk would complement them well. Ideally, having all three players would be perfect, but salary cap constraints may limit this possibility.

If the Leafs manage to retain Domi and Bertuzzi and sign DeBrusk, their left wing and center positions would be solid. The lineup could feature Bertuzzi, Knies, and DeBrusk on the left, Matthews, Tavares, and Domi at center, and Nylander, Marner, and Jarnkrok on the right, forming a strong top nine.

DeBrusk is also the type of player that new head coach Craig Berube favors. Berube would likely utilize DeBrusk effectively within his system, as he would with Bertuzzi and Domi if they re-sign.