The difference between DeBrusk this year and DeBrusk in 22/23 (when he scored at a 35g/82 clip) is what I've been looking at and two things stood out:
skating data was weaker this year
HD shots/GP were down massively to .89 in 23/24 vs 1.38 in 22/23
Not sure there's much to be gleaned from the skating data.
Re HDS generation: one big difference this year vs last is QOT. He went from playing mostly with Bergeron as his ES C, to playing mostly with Coyle....which probably isn't a positive. If Debrusk goes more aggressively to the net, we probably have the distributors to get him the puck there a lot.
He was not really a primary target of mine leading up to the frenzy, but all things considered I don't mind the signing for the same reasons a lot of others have already talked about (digestible cap hit, age, utility, abrasiveness, speed). I do think there may be a decent sized sliver of hope for upside if he meshes well with Pettersson. I can absolutely see him working well with Miller and Boeser. Or Garland.
I really like the work Alvin did yesterday. Brought in a lot of guys that have (at least on paper) a lot of 2 way utility and grit. Lots of interesting line combos seem plausible.
I love the idea of going into the season without being in the LTIR penalty box.