Islanders Add Brassard

Our New York Islanders announced that Derick Brassard has agreed to terms on a one-year contract. The deal is worth $1.2 million according to Arthur Staple. It's a decent, low-risk move that can help push the prospects hard and yield the kind of results the team needs from their up and comers. While his career numbers say he's in a bit of slide after playing 70 games with three different teams (PIT, FLA, COL) last season, accumulating 14 & 9 for 24 points, Brassard can still help the Islanders.

The soon to be 32-year-old Brassard will give the Isles much needed veteran depth at the center position. Per release, Brassard has 176 & 275 for 451 points in 786 career NHL games with 6 NHL teams. Initially, a 1st round, 6th overall by Columbus in 2006, the 6'1, 202# Brassard has 60 NHL playoff points (23 & 37) in 99 games over his career.

In 2016, his team-leading 11 points (5 & 6) led team Canada and helped them win a gold medal in the IIHF World Championship. The former AHL All-Star and QMJHL standout as rookie of the year and league All-Star. "Back in 2006 when he was tearing up the 'Q' with Drummondville, he was awarded the Michael Bossy Trophy for QMJHL Best Professional Prospect."

Per Colin Stephenson, “On a conference call with Islanders reporters, Derick Brassard said he hopes coming back to New York can spark a resurgence in his production after a couple down years. Also, he pointed out he's played a lot of games and had a lot of surgeries in the past few years. Brassard added, “I had a rough season last year, bouncing around teams. I met with Lou and Barry a few weeks back in New York, and when I looked back on everything, I thought it was the best opportunity for me to be successful to win some games and to come back to my old self.'' 

We can probably look for Brassard to contend the 3rd line center position and be used as necessary while the 2019-20 Isles find their stride. I like the move, and the former Ranger is probably looking to prove a point, and some are calling Brassard this seasons Filppula. Hopefully, depending on his role, Brassard might add spark to the offense and possibly contribute something on the Isles new-look PP under coach, Jim Hiller.