Report: Bruins' DeBrusk rescinds trade request

Boston Bruins forward Jake DeBrusk might stay in Beantown after all.

Last week, DeBrusk's agent Rick Valette reportedly informed general manager Don Sweeney that he's rescinded his trade request and is happy to remain a Bruin moving forward, according to TSN's Ryan Rishaug.

The 25-year-old winger initially made his request in November shortly after then-head coach Bruce Cassidy listed him as a healthy scratch due to his inconsistent play.

DeBrusk averaged roughly 20 goals over his first three NHL seasons but struggled in 2020-21, logging 14 points in 41 games.

The Edmonton native seemed doomed to repeat that same output after scoring nine goals and eight assists in his first 45 games of the 2021-22 season, but he made a major improvement in late February after getting promoted to the Bruins' top line as the March 21 trade deadline loomed.

DeBrusk - who was set to become a restricted free agent this summer - signed a two-year extension with an average annual value of $4 million on deadline day as the team attempted to facilitate a trade. Boston ultimately didn't move him, and he posted 25 goals and 17 assists in 77 games.

The Bruins fired Cassidy in early June, with Sweeney citing a need for a "new voice" as one of the deciding factors behind the decision. The team hired Jim Montgomery as its new head coach on July 1.

Boston may start the 2022-23 season without star forward Brad Marchand, who is slated to return in late November after undergoing hip surgery in May.

Meanwhile, captain Patrice Bergeron is reportedly expected to return to Boston on a one-year deal.

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