The Avalanche on Monday acquired forward Derick Brassard from Florida – Monday night’s opponent at the Pepsi Center – for a third-round draft pick in 2020.
The Avalanche will receive a sixth-round pick in 2020 if Brassard doesn’t re-sign with them. He will be an unrestricted free agent July 1. He’s in the final year of a five-year, $25 million contract. Can't see them re-signing him, certainly not at $5 million per year. No word on whether Brassard will play against the Panthers. Word of the trade got out after coach Jared Bednar finished speaking following the Avalanche morning skate.
Brassard, 31, has 19 points (10 goals, nine assists) in 50 games this season, one goal and three assists in 10 games with Florida since his Feb. 1 trade from Pittsburgh.
Columbus’ first-round pick (No. 6) in 2006, Brassard has 447 points (172 goals, 275 assists) in 766 career games with the Blue Jackets, New York Rangers, Ottawa Senators, Pittsburgh and Florida.
A 6-foot-1, 202-pound center, he has 59 points (23 goals, 36 assists) in 90 career playoff games.
“He was a great guy, did exactly what was asked here,… Panthers coach Bob Boughner said. “He knew the situation coming in. We were completely honest with him. He’s a real coachable and a real likeable guy, and he’s got a lot of skill.
“I had him mostly on the wing, but he is a natural center. He can be used in the faceoff circle. He’s been on long playoff runs, he’s an experienced guy, he’s been around. I think his biggest asset is probably his hockey IQ, he’s a smart hockey player and puts himself in good positions.
“He’s been known from his past to put the puck in the net. It’s a good deal for both teams.…
Well, it's been a while since he scored much, with his best seasons coming with the Rangers.
He had 60 points (19 goals, 41 assists) in 80 games in 2014-15 with 16 points (nine goals, seven assists) in 19 playoff games. He had 58 points (27 goals, 31 assists) in 80 games in 2015-16.