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Red Deer Rebels land Boston Bruins pick Jake DeBrusk from Swift Current Broncos

Kelly Friesen
The Red Deer Rebels acquired Bruins pick Jake DeBrusk from the Swift Current Broncos on Dec. 27.
The Red Deer Rebels acquired Bruins pick Jake DeBrusk from the Swift Current Broncos on Dec. 27.

In preparation for hosting the 2016 MasterCard Memorial Cup, the Red Deer Rebels made a big move to boost their offensive arsenal. They landed Boston Bruins first-round pick Jake DeBrusk from the Swift Current Broncos for a 2017 first-round bantam pick, a 2016 third-round bantam pick and 18-year-old forward Lane Pederson.

The 6-foot, 181-pound DeBrusk, who turned 19 in October, had a major breakout season last year, as he netted 42 goals and 81 points in 72 games. He has been just over a point-per-game pace this year with nine markers and 26 points in 24 matches.

The Edmonton, Alta., native gives the Rebels a solid offensive quartet. He fits in nicely alongside Russian import Ivan Nikolishin, Winnipeg Jets prospect Michael Spacek and Colorado Avalanche first-round selection Conner Bleackley.

The addition of DeBrusk should secure Red Deer a top-four finish in the WHL’s Eastern Conference. With a 23-12-0-0 record, they currently sit tied with the Calgary Hitmen for second spot in the conference. The 24-11-0-0 Lethbridge Hurricanes sit on top of the conference and Central Division.

The trade is a smart long-term move for the Broncos, who are poised to miss the playoffs with a dismal 10-20-3-1 record. The draft picks should help them build up their cupboard for when they are ready to make some noise in the post-season. Moreover, although the Saskatoon, SK., native has bounced around a bit, Pederson, who has 21 points in 35 games this year, is a nice addition to their offense.

It seems DeBrusk might be the biggest name moved prior to the WHL’s Jan. 10 trade deadline. There has been some talk about the Moose Jaw Warriors moving team captain Brayden Point; however, it appears unlikely when considering there is notable pressure on the franchise to make the playoffs this year following falling short the previous three seasons.

Whether it’s a big move or a small move, it appears the Rebels aren’t done yet. They own the CHL rights for Boston University defender and Calgary Flames pick Brandon Hickey. It remains to be seen whether the Edmonton, Alta., native, who is currently playing for Team Canada at the world junior championship, is genuinely interested in leaving the NCAA, though.

Kelly Friesen is a Buzzing the Net columnist for Yahoo! Sports. Follow him on Twitter @KellyFriesen