Bruins want to bring back the popular Canucks?

The Boston Bruins are expected to be one of the NHL’s more active teams with just ten days to go until the March 6 trade deadline. Don Sweeney is looking for a right-shot defenseman and a top-six scoring forward, but not much is expected from the latest name linked to a return to TD Garden.

David Pagnotta of The Fourth Period reports that the Vancouver Canucks are willing to listen to Jake DeBrusk. Even more interesting is that the Bruins may be interested in a reunion with the 29 year old winger.

Bruins Interested in Réunion?

DeBrusk spent seven seasons in Boston before leaving for Vancouver in free agency on July 1, 2024. He drew a seven-year deal with the Canucks and has five seasons remaining with a $5.5 million cap hit. Because he has a full no-movement clause, he must approve every transaction. Still, a return to familiar surroundings in Boston could be the kind of reset that gets him back on track.

The idea sounds strange at first glance. DeBrusk didn’t particularly like his last few seasons in Boston, and things got a little tense in the end. “When stuff like that becomes public, it’s pretty in your face. We see things these days on social media and stuff, but there’s so many rumors. I think from the first year I was there I was in the trade rumors, so it was one of those things where I felt like I was probably going to be on 20 different teams at some point,” he said. In the end it didn’t work out that way, and in the end no action was taken through them, but it is clear that we signed here.”

Here he meant Vancouver. He was excited to sign with the Canucks, who wanted to compete at the time. Now everything is different.

Do the Bruins make sense now?

Although the Bruins couldn’t agree to an extension with DeBrusk after a down year in 2024, the deal makes sense now. Stylistically, he’s the same player he was during his first run in Boston. Brawny at times, but a legitimate top-six winger who can get pucks in the net and contribute to the power play.

For the Bruins, adding a shoot-first option to the second line is an obvious need. With playmakers like Casey Mittelstadt and Pavel Zacha, DeBrusk would have the support to get back to the 25-goal mark. It could also take some pressure off David Pastrnak, who will be handling most of the shooting responsibilities this season. If they were to trade for DeBrusk, it could make sense to make them the top two threats on various power play units to maximize their strengths.

For now it’s still speculation, but the logic isn’t hard to see. Bringing back a player who knows the market, understands the space and fills a hole in the top six with a manageable cap hit could ultimately be the move that defines Boston’s deadline.

Next: Maple Leafs turned down one-for-one trade offer from the oil companies?