Prospect Info: Jake DeBrusk

[VanIsle]

I have over rated every Bruins prospect ever.

I still have a Ken Hodge Jr. Young guns rookie card in a plastic case even though it is worth 10c.

 

[Fonzerelli]

I'm taking that as you have him as the next Andy Hilbert.

You just made this fun

The most accurate "at the same age" comparison I see is actually Landon Ferraro. Jake and Landon are mirror immages of each other at the same age. Ironically, Ferraro was also with Red Deer (not to mention drafted where many though Jake should have been, at 32nd overall).

 

[GloryDaze4877]

The most accurate "at the same age" comparison I see is actually Landon Ferraro. Jake and Landon are mirror immages of each other at the same age. Ironically, Ferraro was also with Red Deer (not to mention drafted where many though Jake should have been, at 32nd overall).

I didn't see Ferraro in Junior, but from what I have seen of DeBrusk vs LF in the pros, he has way better hands and finish around the net already. Also, Ferraro is a very fast skater and everything I have seen from DeBrusk indicates that he's a good skater, but not nearly as good as Ferraro.

Am I wrong here, I just don't see the comparison?

 

[Fonzerelli]

I didn't see Ferraro in Junior, but from what I have seen of DeBrusk vs LF in the pros, he has way better hands and finish around the net already. Also, Ferraro is a very fast skater and everything I have seen from DeBrusk indicates that he's a good skater, but not nearly as good as Ferraro.

Am I wrong here, I just don't see the comparison?

When he was in Red Deer (and also on Team Canada U17/U18), Ferraro was a dangerous offensive threat. A real finisher, with soft hands around the net. In fact, I think he was going for the Cy Young in his draft year. In his last 2 seasons in junior his goals turned into assists, but he was a pretty complete player: smart, skilled, gritty. Ferraro a bit faster, and Jake a little more defensively sound, but a lot of similarities. For me, some games watching Jake invokes memories of Ferraro.

 

[neelynugs]

When he was in Red Deer (and also on Team Canada U17/U18), Ferraro was a dangerous offensive threat. A real finisher, with soft hands around the net. In fact, I think he was going for the Cy Young in his draft year. In his last 2 seasons in junior his goals turned into assists, but he was a pretty complete player: smart, skilled, gritty. Ferraro a bit faster, and Jake a little more defensively sound, but a lot of similarities. For me, some games watching Jake invokes memories of Ferraro.

well that probably makes a lot of people feel all warm and fuzzy. yikes. if debrusk turns out to be a ferraro-type player, that's a nightmare
(of course no offense to landon, ray or cami granato).

 

[Fonzerelli]

well that probably makes a lot of people feel all warm and fuzzy. yikes. if debrusk turns out to be a ferraro-type player, that's a nightmare
(of course no offense to landon, ray or cami granato).

Skill sets aside, lots of other comparisons as well. Both have NHL bloodlines. Both are products of their Provinces hockey factories (Ferraro from Burnaby Winter Club and DeBrusk from SSAC). Same height. Same weight. Even similiar performance numbers. DeBrusk had 47 goals in draft year compared to Ferraro's 37, but DeBrusk was also almost a full year older (10 months) than Ferraro in their draft years.

Going forward, Jake probably has a higher offensive ceiling and is a better 200 foot player, but for me, it wouldn't be a huge dissapointment if Jake ended up being a bottom 6 NHL regular. Nothing wrong with a 200 foot player with some scoring potential on the 3rd line. That's a heck of a lot better than we did with Zach Hamill

 

[CDonns]

Skill sets aside, lots of other comparisons as well. Both have NHL bloodlines. Both are products of their Provinces hockey factories (Ferraro from Burnaby Winter Club and DeBrusk from SSAC). Same height. Same weight. Even similiar performance numbers. DeBrusk had 47 goals in draft year compared to Ferraro's 37, but DeBrusk was also almost a full year older (10 months) than Ferraro in their draft years.

Going forward, Jake probably has a higher offensive ceiling and is a better 200 foot player, but for me, it wouldn't be a huge dissapointment if Jake ended up being a bottom 6 NHL regular. Nothing wrong with a 200 foot player with some scoring potential on the 3rd line. That's a heck of a lot better than we did with Zach Hamill

I'd have to say Kunitz is the best comparison I've and I'd be very happy with that.

 

[Over the volcano]

http://chl.ca/video/index/id/3f7bd407cc93910d9abdc825c3c5342b

Hard to dislike the kid

 

[GloryDaze4877]

After watching him and others describe his game, he sounds more like Loui than Kunitz

 

[Eddie Munson]

http://chl.ca/video/index/id/3f7bd407cc93910d9abdc825c3c5342b

Hard to dislike the kid

Great video. I really suggest others watch it if they haven't already. Nice to see all his coaches speaking glowingly about him. Also love to hear when they say he can play goal line to goal line and is good behind the net as well, truly a 200 foot player.

After watching him and others describe his game, he sounds more like Loui than Kunitz

IMO he has more grit and a better shot than Loui but they certainly both beat you with their head than pure speed or talent. Both are lethal around the net but I feel like Jake has better tools to score from further out than Loui does. If Jake turns into a Loui-esque player though (defense and offense) then the team will have plenty to be happy about.

 

[Estlin]

well that probably makes a lot of people feel all warm and fuzzy. yikes. if debrusk turns out to be a ferraro-type player, that's a nightmare
(of course no offense to landon, ray or cami granato).

That was my feeling as well.

Going forward, Jake probably has a higher offensive ceiling and is a better 200 foot player, but for me, it wouldn't be a huge dissapointment if Jake ended up being a bottom 6 NHL regular. Nothing wrong with a 200 foot player with some scoring potential on the 3rd line. That's a heck of a lot better than we did with Zach Hamill

What happens if Debrusk turns out to be just that and, say, Kyle Connor, becomes a top-six star?

IMO he has more grit and a better shot than Loui but they certainly both beat you with their head than pure speed or talent. Both are lethal around the net but I feel like Jake has better tools to score from further out than Loui does. If Jake turns into a Loui-esque player though (defense and offense) then the team will have plenty to be happy about.

If Debrusk does develop into a player like Eriksson, then Boston should indeed be very happy.

 

[Beesfan]

That was my feeling as well.



What happens if Debrusk turns out to be just that and, say, Kyle Connor, becomes a top-six star?



If Debrusk does develop into a player like Eriksson, then Boston should indeed be very happy.

I get crucified every time I say this, but I would rather have a first rate 3rd line forward than an average or flawed top 6 forward. For example, I would rather have Matt Belesky on my team than Ales Hemsky.

Of course, if Connor turns out to be a first rate top 6 forward, which is looking more and more likely, then we really screwed up.

 

[DKH]

I get crucified every time I say this, but I would rather have a first rate 3rd line forward than an average or flawed top 6 forward. For example, I would rather have Matt Belesky on my team than Ales Hemsky.

Of course, if Connor turns out to be a first rate top 6 forward, which is looking more and more likely, then we really screwed up.

I see Connor as a Mark Napier type. A dangerous offensive player with time and space but not a player who you have out to protect a lead. Whereas DeBrusk is not as flashy but plays a more complete Bruins like game.

I give the edge to DeBrusk overall but Connor should be a very good offensive player and overall good player.

Connor could put up 75 points and DeBrusk 55 but when you factor in the Claude exchange rate and style 6 DeBrusk's would beat 6 Connor's more times than not. Four on Four you have to take Connor.

I commend Sweeney for seeing this like me

 

[RussellmaniaKW]

I want to get excited about DeBrusk but it's hard when they left so much on the table.

His 17 points in 17 playoff games this year is great to see, but then you see Barzal with 26 point in 22 games and that kind of kills the buzz.

Meanwhile Connor looks to be electric.

It's too bad teams don't get a once-per-decade do-over in the draft. If they did then I wonder if the Bruins would have done:
Connor
Barzal
Senyshyn

knowning that Carlo and Lauzon would end up with the Bruins. Zboril has potential, but those 3 forward might have been the better haul in the first round when it's all said & done.

 

[DKH]

I want to get excited about DeBrusk but it's hard when they left so much on the table.

His 17 points in 17 playoff games this year is great to see, but then you see Barzal with 26 point in 22 games and that kind of kills the buzz.

Meanwhile Connor looks to be electric.

It's too bad teams don't get a once-per-decade do-over in the draft. If they did then I wonder if the Bruins would have done:
Connor
Barzal
Senyshyn

knowning that Carlo and Lauzon would end up with the Bruins. Zboril has potential, but those 3 forward might have been the better haul in the first round when it's all said & done.

If the Bruins had drafted Barzal then Chiarelli doesn't make that mind numbing horrific trade with the Islanders

I shutter to think if Seeeney had done that - he catches crap for Kemppainen

 

[DKH]

I want to get excited about DeBrusk but it's hard when they left so much on the table.

His 17 points in 17 playoff games this year is great to see, but then you see Barzal with 26 point in 22 games and that kind of kills the buzz.

Meanwhile Connor looks to be electric.

It's too bad teams don't get a once-per-decade do-over in the draft. If they did then I wonder if the Bruins would have done:
Connor
Barzal
Senyshyn

knowning that Carlo and Lauzon would end up with the Bruins. Zboril has potential, but those 3 forward might have been the better haul in the first round when it's all said & done.

If the Bruins had drafted Barzal then Chiarelli doesn't make that mind numbing horrific trade with the Islanders

I shutter to think if Seeeney had done that - he catches crap for Kemppainen

 

[reffree]

When he was in Red Deer (and also on Team Canada U17/U18), Ferraro was a dangerous offensive threat. A real finisher, with soft hands around the net. In fact, I think he was going for the Cy Young in his draft year. In his last 2 seasons in junior his goals turned into assists, but he was a pretty complete player: smart, skilled, gritty. Ferraro a bit faster, and Jake a little more defensively sound, but a lot of similarities. For me, some games watching Jake invokes memories of Ferraro.

I see a better comparaison between Ferraro and Senyshyn then with Debrusk? Way faster than the competition, hands to score goals, but no offensive creativity. By stat alone, Ferraro never was a pts per game player in his WHL carreer. Debrusk is doing more even being an average skater vs Ferraro elite skating ability. Ferraro and Senyshyn can get alot of their pts because their speed cause problem at junior level. Debrusk doesn't have that luxury, yet he still outscore them.

 

[DKH]

I see a better comparaison between Ferraro and Senyshyn then with Debrusk? Way faster than the competition, hands to score goals, but no offensive creativity. By stat alone, Ferraro never was a pts per game player in his WHL carreer. Debrusk is doing more even being an average skater vs Ferraro elite skating ability. Ferraro and Senyshyn can get alot of their pts because their speed cause problem at junior level. Debrusk doesn't have that luxury, yet he still outscore them.

What do you think of Ferraro long term. He's a plus skater who battles hard and has good hockey sense. He looks to me like he good be either a third or fourth liner. I don't see anything overly negative about his game

 

[ODAAT]

What do you think of Ferraro long term. He's a plus skater who battles hard and has good hockey sense. He looks to me like he good be either a third or fourth liner. I don't see anything overly negative about his game

really appreciated his game on that 4th line, never once did I feel ripped off in the effort department, does what I want a 4th line to do, skate well, apply some pressure when fore checking, use the body.

Still like to see a bit more toughness/production on that 4th line , Matt "cough" Martin "cough"

I know I know, let the Randall fan boys/girls scream about his shooting percentage and while I appreciated his contributions, his skating did absolutely nothing for me, handful of times at best did I see him pursuing the puck with the speed to even lay a check or force a D-man into a mistake

 

[reffree]

What do you think of Ferraro long term. He's a plus skater who battles hard and has good hockey sense. He looks to me like he good be either a third or fourth liner. I don't see anything overly negative about his game

Speedy and responsible player, but to me he is an average 4th liner. He's fast and have a good enough shot to score some goal, but not enough the be put on a line where he would play with good playmaker and by himslef he doesn't have the hands in traffic or the puck protection skill to buy time to create something for his linemate and even with open ice he doesn't show much creativity/fluidity. Comparing him to Vatrano who's defenitly more of a shooter than a creative guy, I would still put Vatrano on a higher level than Ferraro on creativity.

Of course not every player have Krejci level of creativity, but a situation I like to look at for easier creativity is odd man rush. There's room, there's time, are you creative enough to use those asset to create something or in other word, wich player I have faith and wich player I'm uncomfortable when they are the one with the puck in odd man rush and in a situation like that, I feel safer for Vatrano to move the puck at the right time at the right place than I do for Ferraro.

If he ever developp a little bit more on this he could be more of a candidate for a 3rd line spot. imho

 

[ddpk]

I want to get excited about DeBrusk but it's hard when they left so much on the table.

His 17 points in 17 playoff games this year is great to see, but then you see Barzal with 26 point in 22 games and that kind of kills the buzz.

Meanwhile Connor looks to be electric.

It's too bad teams don't get a once-per-decade do-over in the draft. If they did then I wonder if the Bruins would have done:
Connor
Barzal
Senyshyn

knowning that Carlo and Lauzon would end up with the Bruins. Zboril has potential, but those 3 forward might have been the better haul in the first round when it's all said & done.

**NOTE** Not to single anyone out; my response is directed to multiple posts involving all of the above prospects***

Kills the buzz for what and what is this love affair with Barzal and Connor? How can so many people be on ONE side of the ledger or the other when NONE of these guys have even played a PRO game yet. The last time I checked the Bruins selected Zboril, Debrusk, and Senyshyn. There are reasons for each selection. I would be more than happy to address why if anyone would like. I had Connor in the mix too. However, I didn't see him play, never met with the young man personally (or see him up close; body type, leg girth, overall frame) or had the privilege of scouting him (I have though for the Bruins propsects and done film study). There were 14 other decisions made NOT to select him (or Barzal) at the Draft higher up by the rest of the NHL. There are reasons for this. His skill set and speed are fantastic from what I have seen on film. There is more to it than that though.
As for Barzal, I just never included him as a player to be targeted. Another smallish center who's main talent other than speed is distributing the puck. Injury prone, pass first, center. I think the Bruins wanted and needed some "puck in net", prime finishers, who can finish off plays and take pucks to the net. With Bergy, Krejci, Spooner, Czarnik, JFK (eventually) they have more than enough of that in my opinion. Back to the BUZZ kill: how's this for stats
Barzal in the Finals: O Goals 7 Assists (5 on PP) -7 in 5 Games. My point is you have to look at things in a multi-directional manner. The whole scouting process is trying to determine and project who will be able to translate their skills at the PRO level and contribute in a consistent manner and help the team win. An immensely difficult task but how can we even attempt to judge at this point. In a few particular games I watched, DeBrusk showed me his skills in a variety of ways;
1) He blasted by a backchecker to join a rush and finished off a 2 on 1 (btw, he is a very good skater and moves laterally well too).
2) Worked the puck along the wall, took a hit, came out of the corner and set up a play
3) Got on his horse and backchecked to the slot and saved a goal
4) Made a slick play in O zone and then finished it off with a one timer goal from the high slot

So, a player who continues to improve and play a complete game while providing a high skill set and finish who is highly dangerous down low. Also, if I include stats (goals in this case and he did score 42 last season) it is to further my belief. That is, if a player you project to be a goal scorer scores goals at the highest level before being drafted to the NHL, you are investing in that player to make that particular ability translate at the next level. A prospect doesn't all of a sudden lose the ability of a goal scorer if he is in fact a goal scorer. He has that ability. Now, many times the player won't produce at the same clip in the NHL as he did in Junior but that's all the scouts have to go on along with a myriad of other characteristics in order to make that projection.

Look at Dougie Hamilton. 5 years into his NHL career and he still makes the same mistakes. He also doesn't have Z to clean up his messes. Even when Calgary lost Wideman and Russell, he still wasn't a top pairing D. He doesn't defend well, isn't physical, and didn't take pride in the Defensive aspects of the game. Just not in his DNA. Kind of a RED FLAG when you consider he's a DEFENCEMAN plus he wanted out!!! For him, Bruins got; (Senyshyn, JFK, Lauzon). Players with talent, ability, and character. Watch Lauzon play 30 min a night and skate, and hit, and defend well, while QB'ing a PP night after night.

Anyways, we shall see. Another huge and significant summer for DS and all Bruins prospects. Let's enjoy the ride.
Enjoy the Memorial Cup
Cheers

 

[BruinsPortugal]

I want to get excited about DeBrusk but it's hard when they left so much on the table.

His 17 points in 17 playoff games this year is great to see, but then you see Barzal with 26 point in 22 games and that kind of kills the buzz.

Meanwhile Connor looks to be electric.

It's too bad teams don't get a once-per-decade do-over in the draft. If they did then I wonder if the Bruins would have done:
Connor
Barzal
Senyshyn

knowning that Carlo and Lauzon would end up with the Bruins. Zboril has potential, but those 3 forward might have been the better haul in the first round when it's all said & done.

I think we managed 1 full day without complaining about Barzal and Connor. woozaa

 

[PIMsCup]

Ddpk! This is a tremendously compelling post. Good stuff.

 

[reffree]

**NOTE** Not to single anyone out; my response is directed to multiple posts involving all of the above prospects***

Kills the buzz for what and what is this love affair with Barzal and Connor? How can so many people be on ONE side of the ledger or the other when NONE of these guys have even played a PRO game yet. The last time I checked the Bruins selected Zboril, Debrusk, and Senyshyn. There are reasons for each selection. I would be more than happy to address why if anyone would like. I had Connor in the mix too. However, I didn't see him play, never met with the young man personally (or see him up close; body type, leg girth, overall frame) or had the privilege of scouting him (I have though for the Bruins propsects and done film study). There were 14 other decisions made NOT to select him (or Barzal) at the Draft higher up by the rest of the NHL. There are reasons for this. His skill set and speed are fantastic from what I have seen on film. There is more to it than that though.
As for Barzal, I just never included him as a player to be targeted. Another smallish center who's main talent other than speed is distributing the puck. Injury prone, pass first, center. I think the Bruins wanted and needed some "puck in net", prime finishers, who can finish off plays and take pucks to the net. With Bergy, Krejci, Spooner, Czarnik, JFK (eventually) they have more than enough of that in my opinion. Back to the BUZZ kill: how's this for stats
Barzal in the Finals: O Goals 7 Assists (5 on PP) -7 in 5 Games. My point is you have to look at things in a multi-directional manner. The whole scouting process is trying to determine and project who will be able to translate their skills at the PRO level and contribute in a consistent manner and help the team win. An immensely difficult task but how can we even attempt to judge at this point. In a few particular games I watched, DeBrusk showed me his skills in a variety of ways;
1) He blasted by a backchecker to join a rush and finished off a 2 on 1 (btw, he is a very good skater and moves laterally well too).
2) Worked the puck along the wall, took a hit, came out of the corner and set up a play
3) Got on his horse and backchecked to the slot and saved a goal
4) Made a slick play in O zone and then finished it off with a one timer goal from the high slot

So, a player who continues to improve and play a complete game while providing a high skill set and finish who is highly dangerous down low. Also, if I include stats (goals in this case and he did score 42 last season) it is to further my belief. That is, if a player you project to be a goal scorer scores goals at the highest level before being drafted to the NHL, you are investing in that player to make that particular ability translate at the next level. A prospect doesn't all of a sudden lose the ability of a goal scorer if he is in fact a goal scorer. He has that ability. Now, many times the player won't produce at the same clip in the NHL as he did in Junior but that's all the scouts have to go on along with a myriad of other characteristics in order to make that projection.

Look at Dougie Hamilton. 5 years into his NHL career and he still makes the same mistakes. He also doesn't have Z to clean up his messes. Even when Calgary lost Wideman and Russell, he still wasn't a top pairing D. He doesn't defend well, isn't physical, and didn't take pride in the Defensive aspects of the game. Just not in his DNA. Kind of a RED FLAG when you consider he's a DEFENCEMAN plus he wanted out!!! For him, Bruins got; (Senyshyn, JFK, Lauzon). Players with talent, ability, and character. Watch Lauzon play 30 min a night and skate, and hit, and defend well, while QB'ing a PP night after night.

Anyways, we shall see. Another huge and significant summer for DS and all Bruins prospects. Let's enjoy the ride.
Enjoy the Memorial Cup
Cheers

You make good points, many I agree with. But the bold is a buzz killer about Barzal? 7pts in 5 games against the best team in his league? If I show Senyshyn stat in the playoff series against his league's best team, is this a mega giga buzz killer or Barzal as higher standard to respect?

 

[ddpk]

You make good points, many I agree with. But the bold is a buzz killer about Barzal? 7pts in 5 games against the best team in his league? If I show Senyshyn stat in the playoff series against his league's best team, is this a mega giga buzz killer or Barzal as higher standard to respect?

Nope, the buzz kill refers to what another poster (RussellManiaKW) mentioned. Not comparing prospects. Senyshyn did not get that far in the playoffs as his team isn't up to that standard yet. My point is if someone will use stats to make a comparison one must realize that there are different stats that you can look to and that stats aren't the only thing to judge a player on.
Don't think that kind of centerman (Barzal) would benefit the Bruins when it counts the most which is playoff hockey and a potential trip to the Finals against a Western Conf. team for the reasons I mentioned in my post.

Cheers