Derick Brassard, Islanders Are a Perfect Fit Together
Derick Brassard was an interesting player for the Islanders last year. While he struggled at times, the 33-year-old forward provided immense value in New York’s bottom-six and should be re-signed to a short-term deal this offseason.
Derick Brassard’s Career
Brassard is known for his time with the New York Rangers, but he actually started his career in Columbus. The Blue Jackets drafted Brassard sixth overall in 2006 and was called up to the NHL on January 10, 2008.
He had success with his first team, showcasing smooth skating and elite play-making abilities. The Rangers took notice and on April 3, 2013, they traded Marian Gaborik and two minor league defensemen to the Blue Jackets for Brassard, Derek Dorsett, John Moore and a sixth-round pick.
Brassard tallied 69 goals in Manhattan, second on the team during his tenure, and recorded 174 points. His 254 games were the most on the Rangers during that span.
Perhaps his biggest gift to the franchise took place on July 18, 2016. In one of the best trades in Rangers history, they traded Brassard and a seventh-round pick to the Ottawa Senators for Mika Zibanejad and a second-round pick.
After unsuccessful runs in Ottawa, Pittsburgh, Florida and Colorado, Derick Brassard signed a one-year deal with the Islanders on Aug. 21, 2019.
Derick Brassard and the Islanders
The Islanders had a hole in their middle-six and needed to address it. Lou Lamoriello added the ex-Ranger to the mix, hoping the forward would embrace a fresh start.
“It’s just an exciting time in general,” Brassard said after he signed. “Now, I’m with a new team and I’m just excited to meet my new teammates and have a fresh start. I had a really good summer of workouts. It’s just about going out there and having fun.”
Originally, he was brought in to be a center, but that role was flexible. Most importantly, Lamoriello recognized Brassard would fit into Barry Trotz’s structure.
“I met with [Lamoriello and Trotz] earlier this summer,” Brassard said in the summer of 2019. “That’s what I liked about this summer was that was what I knew what to expect from this team and what was going to be my role. I think this team plays four lines, they play everyone, they play all of their d’s, they played both goalies last year. That fits really well with me.”
The 2019-20 Season
Derick Brassard immediately made an impact with the Islanders. He scored five goals in his first 13 games, emerging as a fundamental pillar of the team.
He played with Brock Nelson and Anthony Beauvillier, forming a trio that led the team on a historic 10-game win streak and 17-game point streak.
“Out of necessity of having [Jordan Eberle] out and a few people out, we put that line together, and I think you have three guys who have pretty good offensive instincts,” Trotz said in October. “But what I like about them right now is they’re probably as good defensively, if not better, in their own zone than I would’ve thought. They were concentrating on it, and they’re getting lots of offense out of it.”
For the remainder of the season, Brassard played up and down the lineup, notching 10 goals and 32 points in 66 games. He had his ups and downs, but overall, he was a great depth forward.
Derick Brassard Should Re-Sign With the Islanders
The Islanders are in a very different place than they were a year ago. They are in a tough salary cap situation and will have trouble completing their roster next season. If they cannot move a high-priced contract or two, re-signing both Mat Barzal and Ryan Pulock will be impossible with only $8 million in salary cap space.
That is why finding value is crucial now more than ever. Brassard is a familiar face who has played for five teams in the previous three seasons. He finally found a home in Trotz’s middle-six and could be open to re-signing on a league minimum deal.
Lamoriello should pounce. If Brassard plays like he did at the beginning of last season, he will be one of the biggest steals in hockey. If he struggles like he did at the end of last season, he will be a solid 13th forward.
Derick Brassard and the Islanders are a great fit. And hopefully, this relationship can last one more year.
