Top 5 game-changing free agents the Blackhawks can take from the Eastern Conference

Jake DeBrusk, W/Boston Bruins

As mentioned, Jake DeBrusk will be great in some eyes and good in others, as those who look purely at points won’t see him as the most effective player. He scored 19 goals and 40 points in 80 games, and he’s never put up over 50 points in his career, so you can classify those as good, not great numbers. 

But he’s also a physical player who crossed the century mark in hits with 107; he’s stealing pucks the second an opponent gives him the chance, and he can play that physical game while offering complementary scoring on the top-six. In a place like Chicago, the top line is where he could wind up for 2024-25 if Davidson targeted DeBrusk in free agency and brought him to the Windy City. 

DeBrusk, like many names listed, would also provide massive upgrades for the team’s penalty kill and power play units; the Bruins put up 49 goals in the latter category over the last two regular seasons. At even strength, DeBrusk also found himself on the ice for another goal than expected - 47, or 1.3 above 45.7, and for fewer goals against - 43 or 1.3 fewer. 

While DeBrusk’s presence wouldn’t turn Chicago into an immediate contender, he would give them a complete player who is more than just a serviceable talent.