Jake DeBrusk is back in Boston Bruins trade rumors, and the reunion talk feels real as the deadline heat rises.

The Fourth Period reported Vancouver is open to calls, and Boston is among the teams believed to have interest.

DeBrusk is 29, a 2015 first-round pick, 14th overall by the Bruins, so this one hits a little different for this fanbase.

It also comes with actual meat on the bone, not just vague noise.

He has 13-15-28 in 56 games this season, and the Canucks are clearly listening on multiple names as March 6 creeps closer.

That matters, because Boston's winger depth has felt fragile all year when the top-six goes cold.

The cap side is the first gulp of reality: DeBrusk carries a $5.5 million cap hit and has a full no-movement clause, so he controls the lane.

He also has term, five more years after this season, which is either comforting or terrifying depending on your mood.

If the Bruins are sniffing around, it screams “we want a winger who can play with pace and still get inside.”

That's the version of DeBrusk Boston fans remember, the one who hunted space off the rush and made life miserable around the paint.

Jake DeBrusk could change the Boston Bruins mix

Bruins fans are tired of “almost” upgrades, so the idea of a familiar winger who actually fits the identity is weirdly calming.

The question is cost, because Vancouver won't do Boston any favors just for the nostalgia.

Fit-wise, the Bruins could use another attacker who can finish from the circles and still work the man advantage without floating.

DeBrusk's shot has always played better when he's moving, not standing still and waiting for a perfect look.

There's also the timeline piece: he popped 28 goals and 48 points last season, so Vancouver can argue there's more offense in the tank.

If Don Sweeney is serious, this is the kind of move that has to help now, and not handcuff the blue line later.

Either way, it's a real rumor with real numbers behind it, and Thursday's news cycle is going to be loud in Boston.