Going into the preseason, I was convinced that he would get the ten-game trial with the Jackets and go back to juniors for one more year, no matter what. I'm not so sure, now.
I saw him play both this past Sunday and last night, and he has really stepped up his game in that short time. A lot of the concerns expressed about him before training camp started up revolved around his lack of size, but he looks like he fits in out there. He's shown that he can not only take a hit, but also dish them out, as well.
I honestly think that his making the Jackets this season also depends on the situations of other players, one in particular being Danny Fritsche, who hasn't played since the Traverse City tournament a couple of weeks ago due to injury. If Danny can't stay healthy long enough for the team to gauge his progress, then Brule might have a good chance to make the squad.
If Brule were to make the team, I'd like to see him get at least third line time, as opposed to the burying-him-on-the-fourth-line nonsense that they did with Fritsche his rookie year. Either give him some meaningful playing time, or send him back to juniors. He's not going to get better playing 5 minutes a night or watching from the press box.