Had the Bruins not gone through their issues with COVID-19 and injuries throughout their lineup, Jake DeBrusk may being playing elsewhere after asking for a trade out of Boston, a request that quickly went public and was later confirmed by the Bruins.

But as March, and the NHL’s trade deadline approaches, DeBrusk is playing his best hockey of the year, something that is benefitting the Bruins in more ways than one.

After scoring twice including the overtime winner Thursday in Seattle, DeBrusk spoke publicly for the first time since the trade news broke.

"To be honest, I had a meeting with the guys, I think when it first got out there. I told them I wouldn't be a distraction,” DeBrusk said. “I just want to talk about the game and stuff. And obviously, like you said, I haven't talked to you guys in a while.”

DeBrusk now has scored in three consecutive games. With Brad Marchand returning from suspension Thursday, head coach Bruce Cassidy promoted DeBrusk to the top line.

“It's a great honor to play with two Hall of Famers and you just want to try to get on pucks and try to win some races on the forecheck and take away the goalie's eyes,” DeBrusk said.

We’ve often seen this with DeBrusk during his tenure in Boston. Long stretches of inconsistent play and then, at the snap of a finger, goals come in bunches, making you wonder why DeBrusk can’t do this on a more consistent basis, the talent clearly there.

“I’m starting to gain some traction for the first time in a while, that’s something every player wants,” DeBrusk said. “It takes some puck luck, good passes, and lots of different things to happen. But I’ve always wanted to help this team, so to be able to contribute is the best way I can.”

DeBrusk’s play of late is coming at the right time. Not only is his production on the ice helping the Bruins win hockey games, but it’s improving his trade stock. There’s been interest in DeBrusk since the trade request was put forward, but the belief is Bruins general manager Don Sweeney’s asking price for DeBrusk is too high.

But now, maybe with his play of late, the price is finally where it needs to be.

However the DeBrusk story plays out is anyone’s guess, but credit to DeBrusk for handling this difficult situation professionally and as he promised, not causing it to be a distraction.

“It means that they think I'm a good guy and a good teammate and that's all you really want to be at the end of the day,” DeBrusk said of his teammates treating him no differently.

“You play in that room for all those guys. And obviously, lots of memories, considering playoff runs, and I've grown up in this organization.”

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