Jake DeBrusk didn’t mince words when asked about the past seven months.
“Obviously I didn’t like my season,” the candid winger acknowledged. “Was pretty disappointing, for myself.”
A fresh start was desperately needed for the 27-year-old forward, especially after watching his scoring dip (40 points in 80 games) in the midst of a contract year.
For some NHLers, the expected trepidation that comes with staring at zeroes on the scoresheet might be remedied with time spent away from the rink.
For DeBrusk, it was quite the opposite.
Amid all of the pressure that comes with the outset of a new playoff campaign, there is also opportunity — especially for players looking to put 82 games in the rearview mirror.