Left wing Jake DeBrusk is another example of a player who used his time in the AHL to his advantage. DeBrusk spent the 2016-17 season in Providence, as well, and prepared himself for the NHL. The Edmonton, Alberta, native scored his first goal in his first game with Boston and would become a staple on the second line alongside David Krejci, notching 16 goals and 27 assists for 43 points in 70 games.
"I think the biggest difference from jumping levels is just that the NHL is the best league in the world, and you're playing against the best players in the world every single night," said DeBrusk. "So, just taking whatever I can from whatever level I was playing to try and incorporate it. But at the same time, I think the biggest thing is to stay consistent with your game, whether you're getting points or how you're playing. I think that's just kind of one of the things that I'm trying to ingrain in myself early and start to find some results."
The 21-year-old looked like a seasoned veteran during his first encounter with the playoffs, tying David Pastrnak and Patrice Bergeron for the team lead with six goals. He elevated his game in big moments, such as in Game 7 versus Toronto when he scored two goals, including the game-winning goal on an incredible individual effort. The 6-foot, 188-pound winger displayed impressive offensive abilities and a drive to win puck battles, but he said that he still has more to give.
"I feel like you can always get better in certain areas," DeBrusk said. "I think my focus this year is going to be my speed. I think that I can get faster and stronger. I think just stronger on pucks - I think that, throughout the second half, I was finding that, but at the same time, I know I can work on getting stronger in those areas and just my overall game."