The tandem injuries put a halt to a terrific first half for the B's top-line right winger, as the 26-year-old piled up 16 goals and 30 points in 36 games, putting him well on pace to set new career highs in both offensive categories.
"We're missing his speed," said coach Jim Montgomery. "His ability to track down pucks, whether it's on the forecheck, but more importantly stripping guys from behind, creating odd man rush looks - that is what we miss from him. Whether it's with the puck or without the puck, he creates more odd man rushes for us."
Boston won't be without those attributes for much longer, however, as DeBrusk appears poised for a return to game action during the upcoming road trip. Montgomery termed the winger as "doubtful" for Tuesday's game in Dallas but "probable" for Thursday's tilt in Nashville.
"I don't know, maybe it will be a minute less than what he was, but we have to get him back up to speed," Montgomery said when asked if DeBrusk would be limited at all when he returns. "He's a real good penalty killer for us, a real good power play guy, so once you play both special teams it's hard to keep someone's minutes down, but I'll probably watch his 5-on-5 minutes a little."
DeBrusk complimented the Bruins' medical and performance staffs for their work in helping him to remain in the best shape possible as he worked his way back.
"It's pretty decent actually," DeBrusk said of his conditioning. "I would probably say it's better than my offseason training. I've done over 100 miles on the assault bike thanks to [head performance coach] Kevin [Neeld], so if he sees this, thanks man, it's been fun.
"No, I think it's one of those things where you never know until you're in a game. You never know when you're just out there practicing. I've been doing everything in my power to get in a good spot, and I felt pretty good out there today.
"I think it has to do with excitement and the adrenaline of being out there with defensemen all of a sudden, but that's what this week is for as well, to get up to speed and to get those extra hours in when it comes to shooting and skating."
DeBrusk added that while the pace for Monday's skate was definitely higher than anything he's experienced since his last game, the intensity of his solo sessions was actually quite high as well.
"I feel like some of the 1-on-1 skates where you're out there for 30-40 minutes, where you've got no rest and you keep going and skating, is hard," said DeBrusk. "Especially when you're trying to get back into shape. I thank the training staff, the medical staff, the guys in the gym who have been bagging me and making sure I feel comfortable out there obviously."
While he still needs to get back some of his timing, DeBrusk is confident he'll be ready to go whenever he finds way into the lineup.
"Feel is the biggest thing," said DeBrusk. "I'm going to try and minimize risk as much as possible when it comes to certain things…but I'm going to try and play as fast as I can. I've been missing it too much. So, as soon as I get the go ahead then I'll be in and ready to go."
