Jake DeBrusk earns promotion to Bruins' top line

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The Boston Bruins are giving Jake DeBrusk a golden opportunity.

Head coach Bruce Cassidy announced Wednesday that DeBrusk will be moved up to the first line Thursday night vs. the Seattle Kraken. DeBrusk will play right wing alongside Brad Marchand -- who will return from his six-game suspension -- and Patrice Bergeron.

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Cassidy is confident DeBrusk won't miss a beat.

"Sometimes it's tough when you go in with two guys that are, arguably, Hall of Famers. You get a little nervous," Cassidy said. "I think that's what's happened over the years with some younger guys. Jake's a little older now. We had a good discussion about that - is that something that would take him away from his game or help build his game.

"He should have a say in this. We had that conversation. He'd like to give it a go and see where it leads. Sometimes chemistry happens, sometimes it doesn't but that's how we're gonna try it for now."

DeBrusk has had his fair share of ups and downs with the Black and Gold, including a trade request in November, but he's displayed his potential in recent days. He responded to his demotion to the fourth line with goals in each of his last two games.

The move to promote DeBrusk to the top line is a win-win scenario for both sides. DeBrusk gets another chance to prove his worth in Boston while the B's get a more balanced lineup. And if DeBrusk boosts his trade value ahead of next month's deadline, that wouldn't be so bad either.

The 2022 NHL trade deadline is set for March 21. DeBrusk and the B's take on the Kraken at 10 p.m. ET on Thursday night.

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