NHL Rumors: Jake DeBrusk asks for trade, Rangers interested in J.T. Miller, and a Habs rebuild?
Anthony Scultore
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The cat is out of the bag in Boston. After being in the NHL Rumor Mill several times the last two seasons, Jake DeBrusk has asked for a trade from the Bruins.
Multiple reports cite his desire for a fresh start and the Bruins willing to accommodate that request.
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NHL Rumors: Jake DeBrusk asks for a trade
“Spoke with Rick Valette today, agent for Jake DeBrusk, he confirmed he asked for a trade over the weekend. It’s felt a change of scenery moving forward would be beneficial,” TSN’s Ryan Rishaug reported yesterday. “Debrusk will remain with the team while the Bruins try and facilitate the request.”
The 25 year-old DeBrusk only has three goals and six points in 17 games this season. A former first round pick in the 2015 Draft, he has struggled since last season where he picked up 14 points in 41 games for the Bruins.
Three teams with known interest in DeBrusk are the Oilers, Senators, and Flames.
Rangers interested in J.T. Miller
Miller, 28, has one more year left on his deal worth $5.25M before becoming a UFA. He’s also been extremely productive with 20 points in 23 games for Vancouver this season. Since joining the Canucks he has 138 points in 145 contests.
Larry Brooks of the NY Post notes that the Rangers may face a decision regarding Ryan Strome soon. They may also consider replacing him with Miller next year.
The Rangers would certainly be interested in a reunion with the player they selected 15th overall in that 2011 draft, depending on the price demanded in return. He could slide onto the right side with either Kreider and Zibanejad or with Panarin or Strome. He could also go into the middle if needed.
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Strome is a pending UFA and is in line for a significant increase which next year’s cap crunched Rangers can’t afford. His current cap hit is $4.5M and his next contract should be significantly higher.
Brendan Gallagher not crazy about a rebuild
The Montreal Canadiens have brought in Jeff Gorton to run Hockey Operations. Owner Geoff Molson said yesterday that it is a long-term deal and a rebuild is not out of the question.
One member of the Habs wasn’t thrilled with the idea. “I’ve always come in with the expectations to win. I felt like my teammates had the same goal, I felt like management had the same goal and sometimes organizations go through those things,” Brendan Gallagher said about a potential rebuild. “I guess those are conversations that would probably need to be had down the road. But for me, I play this game to win. It’s really the only way I can enjoy it.”
Gallagher, now in his 10th season with the Canadiens did not rule out staying if that’s what the team decided.
“It would definitely be a tough decision and, like I said, a conversation that you have to have,” he explained. “But I love being here and that’s first and foremost.”
