The Latest Updates on Jake DeBrusk

Jake DeBrusk's recent trade request generated considerable speculation over potential destinations for the 25-year-old Boston Bruins winger. However, Bruins GM Don Sweeney intends to take his time finding the right return.

On Saturday, Sportsnet's Elliotte Friedman reported the Bruins have informed clubs they're going to do this on their own timeline. He also indicated they seek a defenseman or forward of comparable value.

Sweeney had other reasons to take his time. Winger Brad Marchand recently completed a three-game suspension plus a COVID-19 outbreak with the Bruins' AHL affiliate in Providence prevented them from calling up players. With Marchand returning to the roster and the Bruins now able to draw upon Providence for players, Sweeney could accelerate his search for a DeBrusk deal.

Tuukka Rask's anticipated return in January must also be considered. The Athletic's Fluto Shinzawa observed Sweeney could prefer freeing up sufficient salary-cap space to sign the free-agent goaltender.

Meanwhile, several pundits covering teams linked to DeBrusk expressed skepticism about the winger landing in their respective cities.

The Province's Ben Kuzma recently suggested the Vancouver Canucks' limited cap space would be a sticking point. The Canucks' front-office purge on Sunday could put any potential trades on hold until a new general manager is found.

Dan Kingerski of Pittsburgh Hockey Now cited DeBrusk's offensive inconsistency as one reason he won't land with the Penguins. He also doubted the Bruins would trade the winger to a club they're jockeying with for a playoff berth.

The Athletic's Eric Duhatschek doesn't see DeBrusk landing with the Calgary Flames or Edmonton Oilers. However, he felt the Seattle Kraken could be a fit given their plentiful cap space plus they could offer up affordable depth forward Mason Appleton.