DeBrusk Using Down Time Wisely

BostonBruins.com - Jake DeBrusk admits that he has a bit too much time on his hands these days.

With the National Hockey League season paused due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, the winger is back home in Edmonton enjoying time with his family. He's also trying to train as much as he can, but without access to ice, and limited workout resources, there is only so much he can do to keep his skating legs up to speed.

So, when he's not teaming up with David Pastrnak or his other Bruins teammates to play video games or catch up on FaceTime, DeBrusk is aiming to be constructive with this most unusual period away from the rink.

"It kind of puts into perspective how much the game means to you and those relationships," DeBrusk said during a video media conference on Wednesday afternoon. "It's another thing that motivates you, putting everything in perspective and understanding how lucky you are to play the game. You miss it a lot when it gets taken away from you.

"There's a lot of different things but it's also a good time to reflect on having time with my family and seeing them. My sister had a birthday two days ago and it was the first time I've been home for her birthday in like six years. Those little things are nice at this time, that's a positive."

DeBrusk, who was in the midst of his third NHL campaign when the season was paused on March 12, is also reflecting on his game. While sitting on 19 goals in 65 games, the 23-year-old's pace was trailing behind his career-high of 27 from last season, leaving him feeling that there is more for him to give should hockey resume this spring or summer.

"Overall, it's almost a blessing in a way to have this time because I have had to take a step back and understand what kind of player I want to be in this league and what type of player that I can be," said DeBrusk. "I know what it's like to feel consistency. There's times when I get going and it seems like the puck just keeps going in the net and that's obviously what every player wants. Just remembering how that feels. I think I use my speed and my attributes to the best of my ability and that's usually why it happens."

As he contemplates the state of his game, the former first-round pick has been re-watching as many Bruins games from this season as he can, while simultaneously receiving some advice from his dad - and former NHLer - Louie.

"It's something that I strive for, something everyone in this league strives for, consistency," said DeBrusk, who had one goal in the 14 games leading up to the pause. "I have taken a step back and watched my whole year. Being back home with my dad, he's been kind of all over me about it more than usual, I guess. But to be honest with you, I don't know if I really had a consistent stretch this year.

"Looking back at it, I don't know if I really had a consistent stretch this year…I don't know if I necessarily put a staple into my game at all. It's frustrating to say…just production wise and overall game wasn't where I want it to be in a sense.

"I understand there are certain elements that come into it, whether it's being too hard on myself, kind of eating myself alive at certain times or just different elements that pop up during the year that you look back on and maybe affected your game."

DeBrusk noted that moving forward he'd like to be focused on having a better mindset, particularly when he goes through a quieter stretch offensively.

"It's mind games that you play with yourself in a way," said DeBrusk, who spoke from his father's office, which included several pieces of Bruins memorabilia displayed prominently. "This year was a definite learning curve for myself. It seems like things really weren't going my way in a sense. At the same time, I almost had 20 goals so there's a double-edged sword. Definitely wanted to be better this year.

"Our team was rolling so it would've been nice if I could help even more. It seemed like our team was still doing a great job and putting us in a great spot to succeed and getting us in a good spot heading into playoffs."

DeBrusk also touched on a number of other topics during the 30-minute chat:

On playing with both David Krejci and Charlie Coyle and shifting to right wing…

"I do feel like I can play with either guy. It seemed like even when I was playing with Coyle whether I produced or something happened in the game it seemed like I always came back to Krech, especially getting those players at the deadline and you're trying to figure out different lines and chemistries.

"The last couple games I felt like it was the best couple games that we were playing with Coyle, just building that chemistry. I do believe that I can play the right side. It's just more about whatever I can do to help the team at a given time. Both really good players, both really good center men, good options obviously."

On the challenge of potentially having to play neutral-site games if the season resumes…

"It would definitely be interesting. It's an unknown. Obviously, there's lots of ideas being thrown around. I've heard that one. It's kind of a mixed feeling for me because we want to play…you're willing to do anything to get back on the ice and to finish the season and finish the playoff however they start back, but we work hard for those points.

"Where we are in the league positioning is what we wanted to do as a team. A big reason for that is home ice throughout the playoffs. In a neutral site, everyone is playing with the same advantage. I don't really know to be honest with you, it's just one of those things that we work really hard to get to this point and there's nothing better than being in front of our fans at the Garden."

On getting chirped by his teammates during recent media sessions…

"It seems like anyone who talks about me on here it goes to media or Twitter. It seems like people are always chirping me. I don't know if that's a good or a bad thing. Seems like they miss me. I'll take credit for that. I'll say it's a good thing, but I've talked to lots of guys, whether it's texting or gaming together. I think that me and Pasta have been streaming for about two weeks now.

"I pretty much talk to him every single day. Our group chat yesterday was kind of buzzing so I got to jump on a FaceTime call and I think I got kicked from the FaceTime in like five minutes. But it was nice to see some faces. It's an interesting time, trying to keep in contact…you try to at least let them know that you're there.

"It's nice to get away but it's been a good amount of time now so definitely itching to see the boys. Don't miss the chirps by any means, but I miss the overall guys."

Video: DeBrusk Checks in With Boston Media Members Via Call