Ranked number 19 on the NHL Central Scouting Bureau's list of North American skaters eligible for the 2015 NHL Entry Draft, DeBrusk was selected in the first round, 14th overall, by the Boston Bruins. On November 12, 2015, while playing with Red Deer during the 2015–16 Western Hockey League season, DeBrusk signed a three-year entry-level contract with Boston and was assigned to the Providence Bruins for the 2016–17 season.