( Photo by Steve Babineau / NHLI via Getty Images )

By: Ryan Duffy | Follow Me On Twitter @Rduffy26

The equivalent of Christmas morning in the hockey world is upon us as we are closing in on the 3:00 PM EST trade deadline in the NHL. As mentioned by Mark Allred’s latest article, Jake DeBrusk has signed a two-year, $8 million extension with the Boston Bruins. It’s known that DeBrusk had requested a trade back during the summer and Don Sweeney, along with the rest of Boston’s management, plan to honor DeBrusk’s request.

Boston’s signing allows teams to avoid sending a qualifying offer to DeBrusk’s camp at the end of the 2022 season, which would have been at a higher average annual value than what he signed his extension with the Bruins ($4 million AAV). With DeBrusk extended, it improves his chance of being traded by Boston.

An interesting report out of NHLRumorsDaily Twitter came earlier today, stating that the Bruins’ have once again been kicking tires on Scituate, Massachusetts native Connor Garland. The 5’8″ sniper has 14 goals, 19 assists, and is a plus 11 in 59 games this season on a struggling Vancouver Canucks team. 

Garland was dealt to Vancouver from the Arizona Coyotes during the offseason, and he may very well be returning home to be the newest Boston Bruin. Garland for DeBrusk makes a lot of sense, considering the Bruins will be looking to replace DeBrusk on the top line if or when he is dealt. Boston and Vancouver have reportedly been in communication for a potential trade throughout the season and will continue to do so until the deadline closes. If or when a deal is done, details on the transaction will follow.