According to multiple sources, Jake DeBrusk has asked the Boston Bruins to trade him. A forward who has had consistency issues over the past couple of seasons, DeBrusk was recently a healthy scratch and that was the final straw, making the pending RFA realize he might need a fresh start elsewhere.
TSN’s Ryan Rishaug reports: “Spoke with Rick Valette today, agent for Jake DeBrusk, he confirmed he asked for a trade over the weekend. It’s felt a change of scenery moving forward would be beneficial. Debrusk will remain with the team while the Bruins try and facilitate the request.”
According to Elliotte Friedman, “Told nothing is imminent at this time, but something to keep an eye on.” Obviously, just because DeBrusk has asked for a trade doesn’t mean the Bruins will move him. Word is that they will try, but as most teams would want, the return has to be there and Boston won’t simply give the player away, unless they feel the need to shed his $3.675 million salary.
David Pagnotta of The Fourth Period writes, “I’m told he’s wanted a move for quite some time, Bruins have been aware for months. Things escalated over the weekend. Doesn’t sound like a trade is imminent, but the attempt has been heightened.”
Who Might Be Interested?
Despite consistency issues and his reputation as a middle-six shoot-first forward that is struggling, there will be teams who show interest. Some of the names already linked to this are the Ottawa Senators, Edmonton Oilers, and New York Rangers. The Oilers are connected because of DeBrusk being a local kid whose dad works as an Oilers’ commentator. That said, the Oilers are deep at forward and don’t have the cap space to make that move. The Rangers have been rumored to be looking for forward help and the Senators have been linked to DeBrusk in the past.
The question will be what the Bruins’ ask is. Anything too high and teams won’t be interested.
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