Boston Bruins: 3 players who won’t be back next season

3 Boston Bruins players who won’t be back next season: LW Jake DeBrusk

The 25-year old DeBrusk requested a trade during the season in November, and with no news probably being not-so-good news nothing seems to have changed. He did produce better down the stretch after being placed on Bergeron’s line (what a novel concept), tying the second-best point total of his career during the regular season (42).

If the Bruins aggressively address their depth at center this offseason, with or without Bergeron coming back, DeBrusk stands as a prominent potential trade chip.

DeBrusk signed a two-year contract extension through 2023-24 with the Bruins in March, which notably came after the trade request he has not rescinded. General manager Don Sweeney has acknowledged he doesn’t think much has changed with DeBrusk, “other than he’s happier” (h/t to Pro Hockey Rumors).

Despite his unhappiness and trade request, signing the two-year extension with the Bruins can be seen as a calculated move by DeBrusk/his agent to bolster his trade appeal this offseason. Otherwise he would’ve been a restricted free agent this summer, and possibly stuck going back to the Bruins with no option to leave.

Two years at $4 million per for a solid, young (26 in October) first or second-line winger is quite reasonable, and teams will surely be ready to make offers for DeBrusk.

The need for the Bruins to possibly make a significant move this offseason and his desire to be gone (assuming the latter remains) pushes the idea DeBrusk won’t be back in a Boston sweater next season.