Will Bruins Trade Jake DeBrusk Before Deadline? Don Sweeney Weighs In

The NHL trade deadline is approaching and Jake DeBrusk still is a member of the Boston Bruins.

DeBrusk’s trade request became public in November and he has begun to heat up while playing on the top line alongside Patrice Bergeron and Brad Marchand.

After scoring a hat trick a few weeks ago, DeBrusk addressed the media for the first time since his request, but he politely declined to speak on it. Recent reports indicate his agent has said DeBrusk hasn’t changed his mind on a trade despite his hot streak.

The Bruins made a big move Saturday night when they acquired defenseman Hampus Lindholm from the Anaheim Ducks. The package did not include DeBrusk and Boston still has areas of need to address before Monday’s 3 p.m. ET deadline.

So, will DeBrusk be traded?

“I’ll continue to explore. I don’t think Jake’s changed his opinion,” Bruins general manager Don Sweeney told reporters Sunday at Warrior Ice Arena, per team-provided audio. “But that doesn’t mean it happens. I’ve said that since Day 1. If I can make it fit for the Boston Bruins and help our team — Jake’s helping our team, so I certainly would only do it for the fact that’s going to help our team.”

DeBrusk will be a restricted free agent at the end of this season. He’s shown flashes of his potential but also has gone cold at times.

All eyes will be on DeBrusk and the Bruins on Monday.