Blue Jackets and Stars among teams showing some interest in Brassard
Luke Fox of Sportsnet: Aaron Portzline has said the Columbus Blue Jackets and Pittsburgh Penguins have spoken about Derick Brassard. The Blue Jackets drafted Brassard and he played with them for six seasons. Divisional trading isn’t always easy though.
The Nashville Predators and Winnipeg Jets are other potential destinations for Brassard according to Fox.
Pittsburgh Hockey Now: Reported last week that the Dallas Stars were one of the teams showing interest in Derick Brassard.
Darren Dreger on NBCsport last week on Brassard:
“I think it’s strong because teams, contending teams, are always looking for depth up the middle of the ice,” Dreger said. “He can play in the No. 2 hole as a No. 2 center. He can play as a No. 3 center where he has been for the most part with the Pittsburgh Penguins.”
“It’s weird why it hasn’t worked out or why he hasn’t been a fit in Pittsburgh but there’s going to be a decent return. I believe the Penguins are going to need a center back, someone who can confidently play in the third spot.”
Aaron Portzline of The Athletic: The Blue Jackets and Penguins have spoken about Derick Brassard, who hasn’t fit in with the Penguins since being acquired last season.
Penguins GM Jim Rutherford has said that Brassard has “underperformed” since they traded for him and have let teams know that he’s available.
The Penguins may prefer to trade Brassard to a Western Conference team, but the Blue Jackets being interested makes sense.
The Blue Jackets could use a center, are familiar with Brassard, and John Tortorella briefly coached him in New York.
Inter-division trading isn’t easy, to go along with Rutherford and Tortorella exchanging words after Jack Johnson signed with the Penguins.
Pittsburgh Hockey Now: The Stars and Blue Jackets have shown interest in Derick Brassard, and the Colorado Avalanche and Winnipeg Jets had interest in the past.
It is expected that the Penguins trade Brassard.