Boston Bruins forward could be playing final season in Boston as he uses recently signed contract as comparable

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Josh tupper
August 26, 2023 (7:36)

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Every once and awhile a player signs a contract that completely resets the market for players of their calibre. That is exactly what might happen after Brandon Hagel signed an 8-year $52,000,000 contract. One of those players looking to use Hagel's contract as a comparable is Boston Bruins' Jake DeBrusk.

According to Joe Haggerty, a Boston area news reporter, DeBrusk views Hagel as a perfect comparable.

Independent Boston Bruins reporter Joe Haggerty surmises that Brandon Hagel�s recent eight-year, $6.5MM AAV extension with the Tampa Bay Lightning likely sets the table for Bruins winger Jake DeBrusk�s next deal. The circumstances surrounding DeBrusk are a bit different, however. Not only is DeBrusk two years older than Hagel, but he's slated for unrestricted free agency next summer � a threat Tampa wasn't facing with Hagel, at least not imminently.

Last season DeBrusk played in 64 games for the Bruins. DeBrusk scored 27 goals and 23 assists for 50 points. In comparison in 81 games, Hagel scored 30 goals and 34 assists. As mentioned by Haggerty, DeBrusk will also have the ability to test the open market should the Bruins choose to let him get that far.

With the losses of Patrice Bergeron, David Krejci and with Brad Marchand aging, the Bruins will have to make a serious decision on their future. Will they continue to try and contend? Or will the Bruins finally decide to rebuild?