Jake DeBrusk’s trade market is probably better than you’d think
If the early reports of the potential trade market are to be taken at their word, Don Sweeney and the Boston Bruins may be able to generate a full-on bidding war for winger Jake DeBrusk.
At least that’s what should be expected following the report that nearly half the league has reached out to the Bruins since DeBrusk’s trade request went public earlier this week.
“As many as 12 teams, maybe more than 12 teams have already checked in on the Jake DeBrusk situation with the Boston Bruins,” Darren Dreger reported on the latest edition of ‘Insider Trading’ on TSN. “I would say the New York Rangers are among the teams that have expressed some interest. You’ve got the Vancouver Canucks, maybe Montreal, maybe Calgary. Certainly Arizona. Go down the list.”
*”BUT WAIT, THERE’S MORE!” INTENSIFIES*
“Historically speaking, when there’s been other Jake DeBrusk trade situations and speculations, the St. Louis Blues have been near the top of that list as well,” Dreger noted. “You talk about a kid who could score 20 to 25 and he’s scored 16 times in the playoffs. So those stats matter.”
The St. Louis talk was furthered by Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman in his most recent 32 Thoughts column, as well.
And at 11-8-0 on the year and with a lineup that’s shuffled on more than a few times (even when healthy), there’s no doubt that the Bruins could and should use the DeBrusk trade to get some help for their roster. But the Bruins are entering these talks without a set return, at least one not publicly known, as Bruins general manager Don Sweeney explained Tuesday.
“I just sit back and evaluate and have my conversations with every team and try and make what’s the best trade for the Boston Bruins. It very well could be on either side of that ledger or a combination,” Sweeney said when I asked if the Bruins would prefer a return that can help now or ‘futures’ in any DeBrusk trade. “That’s our sole purpose in this: To make sure we do what we think is right for our club. We’re a competitive club and obviously we’d like to continue to do that and how we make that decision is based on what other teams may or may not be engaging in.”
In the meantime, the Bruins will have to keep DeBrusk in action Thursday night against the Predators, as they will remain without the suspended Brad Marchand and injured Anton Blidh, and remain unable to call Providence due to the team’s ongoing lockdown situation after a COVID outbreak.
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Ty Anderson is a writer and columnist for 985TheSportsHub.com. Any opinions expressed do not necessarily reflect those of 98.5 The Sports Hub, Beasley Media Group, or any subsidiaries. Yell at him on Twitter: @_TyAnderson.
