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Bruins Looking to Bring Back Popular Canucks’ Forward?

Originally posted on NHL Trade Talk | By Spencer Lazary | Last updated Feb 24, 2026 10:50 PM ET

The Boston Bruins are projected to be one of the NHL’s more active teams with only ten days left until the March 6 trade deadline. Don Sweeney is seeking a second-pairing right-shot defenceman and a top-six scoring forward, but the latest name connected to a return to TD Garden is one not many expected.

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 have a possible interest in a reunion with the 29-year-old winger.

Bruins Interested in Reunion?

DeBrusk spent seven seasons in Boston before leaving for Vancouver in free agency on July 1, 2024. He signed a seven-year deal with the Canucks and still has five seasons remaining at a $5.5 million cap hit. Because he owns a full no-movement clause, he would need to approve any trade. Still, a return to a familiar environment in Boston could be the kind of reset that helps him get going again.

The idea sounds strange on the surface. DeBrusk didn’t exactly love his last couple of seasons in Boston, and at the end, things got a bit touch-and-go. “When things like that go public, it’s pretty in your face. We see things nowadays on social media and stuff, but there are so many rumours. I think I was in trade rumours from the first year I was there, so it’s one of the things where I felt like I was probably gonna be on 20 different teams at one point,” he said. At the end of the day, it didn’t work out that way, and end up not getting traded from them, but obviously signing here.”

In here, he meant Vancouver. He was excited to sign with the Canucks, who at the time were looking to compete. Now, everything is different.

Do The Bruins Make Sense Now?

While the Bruins were unable to agree on an extension with DeBrusk after a down year in 2024, the fit now makes sense. Stylistically, he is the same player he was during his first run in Boston. Streaky at times, but a legitimate top-six winger who gets pucks to the net and can contribute on the power play.

For the Bruins, adding a shoot-first option to the second line stands out as a clear need. With playmakers like Casey Mittelstadt and Pavel Zacha, DeBrusk would have the support to get back toward the 25-goal range. It might also take some pressure off of David Pastrnak, who has carrying most of the shooting responsibilities this season. If they were to trade for DeBrusk, it might make sense to make them the two biggest threats on different power-play units to maximize their strengths.

It is still just speculation for now, but the logic is not hard to see. Bringing back a player who knows the market, understands the room, and fills a top-six hole at a manageable cap hit could end up being the move that shapes Boston’s deadline.

This article first appeared on NHL Trade Talk and was syndicated with permission.

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