Bruins HC: DeBrusk scratched vs. Islanders due to lack of effort
The Boston Bruins are sending a message to Jake DeBrusk.
The slumping forward will be a healthy scratch Tuesday against the New York Islanders, the team announced.
"At the end of the day, we're not quite getting out of Jake what we want," head coach Bruce Cassidy said, per NBC Sports Boston. "Some of that is circumstance and situation ... but I still feel he's been given ice time to perform to the best of his ability. We just feel we're not getting the effort required. It's not always about the scoresheet."
Cassidy added, "Sometimes going upstairs and taking a look is not a bad way to go and put a different perspective on it. ... maybe educating yourself on some things that you see from up top."
The 24-year-old has just one goal and four assists in 17 contests this season. He averaged 25 goals and 49 points per 82 games over his first three campaigns. His 14:49 average ice time is more than a minute below his mark from the last two seasons.
"We want to make him a better player in the long run," Cassidy said. "This is the avenue we're going to take today."
Here's the club's projected lineup for Tuesday.
#NHLBruins morning rushes:
- Boston Bruins (@NHLBruins) March 9, 2021
Marchand - Bergeron - Pastrnak
Ritchie - Krejci - Studnicka
Frederic - Coyle - Smith
Bjork - Kuraly - Wagner
Grzelcyk - McAvoy
Zboril - Clifton
Tinordi - Vaakanainen
Halak
Vladar pic.twitter.com/kSHN5HT1GR
DeBrusk signed a two-year deal during the offseason that carries a $3.675-million cap hit. Boston drafted him 14th overall in 2015.
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