Nov 5, 2014; New York, NY, USA; New York Rangers center Derick Brassard (16) celebrates his game-winning goal against the Detroit Red Wings during the overtime period at Madison Square Garden. The Rangers defeated the Red Wings 4-3 in overtime. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports
Derick Brassard is off to a fantastic start this year, already producing 12 points in 14 games (5 goals 7 assists) which is nearly a point a game player. Almost 2 years ago during the 2012-2013 season Glen Sather made a gutsy trade involving struggling Marian Gaborik and one of the players he got in return was Derick Brassard. The argument can be made that the New York Rangers might have lost in the trade temporarily, but for the long-term this is a fantastic deal pulled off by Glen Sather. Look at this from a Columbus standpoint, Gaborik who was on injured reserved for most of his time in Columbus and was eventually traded for Matt Frattin and a draft pick. Matt Frattin who was then traded in the offseason for Jerry D’amigo.
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Ever since Derick Brassard was acquired from the Rangers, it has looked like he has provided them with a spark. Even under John Torterella he was able to shine and under Alain Vigneault he has looked even better. Where does Brassard shine? Well how about both his premier playmaking and his wicked Slap-shot. Below includes Brassards Breakaway Slap-shot goal scored in-game 4 of the Eastern Conference finals in June.
Before signing his new 5 year 25 million deal, Brassard still hadn’t proved himself that he can handle playing the top 6. However, Brassard had 45 points playing on the 3rd line for most of the season and though that was impressive a 5 million dollar cap hit a season is going to have to be 50 points or better. Sather looks to have potentially gotten a steal with Brassard’s cap hit.
Eyes On Isles
Sather was pretty much forced into giving Brassard the money he demanded, after making a tough decision to buyout Brad Richards it was clear Brassard needed to be resigned and long-term. Derick Brassard’s cap hit is approximately 1.6 million dollars less than Brad Richards and Brassard looks like he could be an upgrade. Brassard may not be able to be near a point a game player, but some where in the 60-65 point range at the end of the season does seem manageable. Brassard’s contract would be an absolute waste if he is demoted to the 3rd line, he is simply paid way too much to be playing 3rd line minutes. For Brassards contract to be considered an ideal one he must have more points and be playing not only more minutes than last year, but also the top 6.
One negative thing that comes out of Brassard’s contract is what does this now mean for Derek Stepan? Stepan who has held out of training camp last season is due for a huge deal at the end of this season. Stepan will also want a long-term deal, but at what 6.5 million dollars? Considering Stepan plays first line minutes he will likely earn at least 6 million a season, regarding he stays healthy and has another productive season. It may seem like a long time till that comes, but Sather has tough decisions to make this upcoming summer.
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