Bruins Trade Rumors: Huge Jake DeBrusk Decision Coming Before Deadline

The Boston Bruins have some big decisions to be made at the trade deadline in one month. And one of the most important is what do they do about impending unrestricted free agent Jake DeBrusk?

According to Steve Conroy of the Boston Herald, the B's could really use "a nasty, physical thumper" for the blueline. But because of the Bruins' limited cap space (under a million), and the inability to dangle any valuable futures in a deal, one solution, suggests Conroy, could be trading DeBrusk and his $4 million cap hit. 

But that's only if they decide they can't bring him back on an agreeable extension. 

The 27-year-old is in his 7th year in Boston, and is two years removed from a trade request he delivered to the team, but then rescinded in the summer of 2022. He's coming off two straight 25+ goal seasons, though his production is down a bit this year to just 12 goals and 25 points in 47 games. 

Conroy uses the recent Flyers extension with Owen Tippett as a comparable that the Bruins could use in any DeBrusk extension; that was an eight-year deal with an AAV of $6.2 million.

For his part, DeBrusk hopes to get a deal done.

Jake DeBrusk hopes extension with Bruins gets done soon https://t.co/i9eXd7sLMp #NHLBruins pic.twitter.com/spp7Nhz8Ta

— WEEI (@WEEI) February 5, 2024

“I always have optimism,” DeBrusk said, per WEEI in Boston. “I feel like it would be pretty depressing if I didn't have optimism that I'd be here. It's one of those things that I hope it gets done. You know, I have an agent for a reason. I've obviously been in this organization for my whole career. So, I feel like I know where I stand in this lineup. I feel like I know where I am with the guys in this room, and the city as well, the highs and lows.” 

If the two sides can't come to an agreement within the next month, it would behoove Boston GM Don Sweeney to make a big move by the March 8th trade deadline.

PPhoto: Bob DeChiara-USA TODAY Sports