DeBrusk's absence from the lineup was unexpected, as he was seen skating with the extra players during the morning practice at Crypto.com Arena. Following the practice session, head coach Jim Montgomery revealed that DeBrusk had been late for a team meeting and, as a consequence, would not be on the ice against the Kings.
To fill the void, veteran winger Milan Lucic will step up from the fourth line, taking DeBrusk's place as the first-line left wing alongside Pavel Zacha and David Pastrnak.
Adding to the changes, veteran forward Patrick Brown will make his debut for the Boston Bruins, taking the right wing position on the fourth line, with Jakub Lauko shifting to Lucic's left wing. Rookie center John Beecher will remain in the middle.
The alterations extend to the blue line, as defenseman Ian Mitchell steps in for veteran Kevin Shattenkirk, pairing up with Derek Forbort on the third defensive line.
Jake DeBrusk has played all three games for the Boston Bruins this season but is yet to notch a point. The 27-year-old winger is in the final season of a two-year contract with a $4 million salary cap hit. Both DeBrusk and the Bruins have expressed their mutual interest in negotiating a contract extension.
