The Boston Bruins and soon-to-be unrestricted free agent winger Jake DeBrusk continued to trade accusations on Wednesday over the reason for the impasse in their contract negotiations.
Boston Bruins General Manager Don Sweeney appeared to suggest that the lack of contract negotiations between the two parties was on the DeBrusk camp during the team’s end-of-season press conference, which was attended by CEO and Alternate Governor Charlie Jacobs, President Cam Neely, Head Coach Jim Montgomery, and Sweeney.
“Once more, negotiation is a two-way street,” stated a visibly agitated Sweeney. “With Jake, we’ve adopted a combative stance. Like other players who have opted to stay on and pursue their goals, he has the right to do so, especially given the time of year.
Does that imply that the Boston Bruins, who selected DeBrusk with the 14th overall choice in the 2015 first round, have been advised by his agency that the player will go on sale on July 1st?
An email regarding the subject was sent to Rick Valette, DeBrusk’s agent, but it was unanswered at the time this story was published.
Not to be overlooked from Sweeney’s remarks on Wednesday is the fact that DeBrusk made a similar jab at the Bruins at the annual Boston Bruins Foundation team golf tournament on September 18, just before training camp. DeBrusk implied that the Bruins were the ones who weren’t interested in discussing a contract extension before this past season.
That was Jake DeBrusk telling reporters, “I’m approaching it just getting ready for game 1.” It’s going to be a big year for our team overall, and I know that if I’m doing my part and having success with production and certain things that will help our team, then getting my game ready and, I guess, contract talks—one of those things where you need two sides to tango—that it will happen. However, it’s not my primary focus. It’s one of those things where I’m eager to start the season because I believe it goes hand in hand. It’s simply a matter of remaining healthy, and I’m looking forward to it.”
Despite the typical diversion in the media that happens when opposing sides are unable to come to an agreement, Sweeney did commend DeBrusk for a solid playoff showing (5g, 6a, 13GP) and stated that he wanted to stay a Bruin.
Can I make out a path? Indeed, a way exists, Sweeney stated on Wednesday. At our exit talks, I informed him of this. He’s been a key member of our team and got better during the playoffs. Although I would much rather have Jake DeBrusk on our team, he has several options that he may choose to take advantage of. I’m not sure I have a clear response for you today. However, I am aware of the stance we have adopted and we are very at ease. However, it failed to cross the finish line.
Sweeney did not attempt to minimize the fact that he does have the funds to offer DeBrusk a raise on the $4 million he has received each of the previous two seasons, as upwards of $20.5 million in salary cap space becomes available. It remains to be seen how much of that cap space he believes DeBrusk is worth given other larger areas, such as Jeremy Swayman who is set to get paid more. Currently, it seems insufficient to prevent DeBrusk from entering the market on July 1.
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