Don Sweeney ‘very happy’ that DeBrusk wishes to stay in Boston originally appeared on NBC Sports Boston
On Monday, TSN’s Ryan Rishaug reported that Jake DeBrusk rescinded the trade request he previously made back in late November. Boston Bruins general manager Don Sweeney confirmed the report in Montreal on Wednesday ahead of the 2022 NHL Draft.
DeBrusk had initially made the request after his dissatisfaction with head coach Bruce Cassidy’s decision to periodically make him a healthy scratch. As no deal materialized for DeBrusk, the left-winger signed a two-year, $8 million extension in March.
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Now that Cassidy is no longer the Bruins’ head coach, DeBrusk wants to stay in Boston after five years with the team.
“He rescinded [his trade request],” Sweeney told reporters. “We’re very happy that Jake has turned a corner in how he feels about the Boston Bruins and wants to be with us. He had a hell of a second part of the year and deserved a lot of credit for the production he put forth, and he’s looking forward to being back.”
After the All-Star break in February, DeBrusk scored 16 goals and earned nine assists, totaling 25 points in 29 games. The 25-year-old was promoted to the B’s first line that same month.
“We’re happy that he’s in a good place,” Sweeney continued. “And I indicated that previously, that I think he was just in a better place when the season ended.”
The Bruins’ new head coach Jim Montgomery has a reputation for developing and motivating young players through his positive coaching style. Bruins fans hope that Montgomery will be able to create what Cassidy couldn’t: a solid relationship with DeBrusk.
With many top players out at the beginning of the season, Bruins fans will look to DeBrusk and David Pastrnak to produce results. Montgomery might be just the man to help the young stars live up to fans’ expectations.
