Player Discussion Derick Brassard

[Doctyl]

IDK if he "turned his career around" here. He was a fine player in Columbus. He's definitely elevated his game since coming here, though. This season in particular.

He's definitely flourished since coming here. It's nice to have someone who actually shines on the big stage. Most guys we bring in crumble.

 

[Amazing Kreiderman]

Derick Brassard is the first player in the NHL to have a +5 rating and 5 points in 1 play-of game since Sandstrom and Gretzky did in 4/10/1990 during the Kings-Flames game.

 

[RangerBoy]

Brass has turned into a very good player for the Rangers. Gorton knew him from the 2006 draft. Boston had the 5th pick. They took Kessel and failing to move up to 4th to select Backstrom. Brass was under consideration for the Bruins pick. Daniel Dore was the Bruins Q scout and he was from the same town as Brassard. Johnson. Toews. Staal. Backstrom. Kessel. Brassard went 6th to Columbus. Seven years later,the Rangers traded for Brassard with Gorton and Dore working for the Rangers. The Rangers gave Brassard 5 years and $25M last summer. Four years of group 3.

 

[TurgePurge*]

Brassard likes to feed. He collects hockey jerseys. Sakic was his favorite player growing up. In his spare time he likes to visit zoos and bowling alleys.

 

[bramford]

Brass and Fast have been our best and most consistent players these playoffs.

 

[Edge]

Brassard has found his niche in New York because he's not expected to be their star center and put up 80 points. In a lot of ways he has a role player's mentality with a higher end player's skill set. For some guys that doesn't lead to very good results, but when someone puts it together it can be very nice.

I'd say what he brings is tailor made for the playoffs. My only wish is that he finds a way to be a little more consistent in the regular season. He still has a streaky side to him.

 

[NYRKING30]

Other than the guarantee, this was a bigger Game 6 ECF performance than Messier's 21 years ago. Both had a hat trick, but Brass had more assists, better +/- and more shots. To be fair it was easier for Brass: he's God while Messier was only a Messiah.

Nikita Kucherov with a pass. Hagelin swoops in to intercept. Hagelin behind the net. He shoots, he scores. Hagelin, Hagelin, Hagelin, Caaarl Hagelin! And the Rangers have one more Disneyland roller coaster to ride. It's Mount Hollywood! They are headed to the Finals!

LMAO Imagine if that is how it goes down on Friday? I would crack up. Your right honestly the only thing missing was a guarantee and obviously we need to win the cup to validate that performance as well.

 

[RangerBoy]

While the raw statistics are great – and that he’s trending upwards entering his prime bodes well for Brassard’s 2015-16 campaign – there’s more to the growth of Brassard. In just one season, he has gained the trust of coach Alain Vigneault when it comes to his defensive play and has shown he’s even a skilled pivot when it comes to the new-fangled possession metrics that have become ever-popular in recent years.

This past season, only six Rangers played at least 1,000 minutes of 5-on-5 hockey. Of those, only one, Martin St-Louis, started a higher percentage of his shifts in the defensive zone. Yet, of those six forwards, a group that includes St-Louis, Rick Nash and Chris Kreider, Brassard and Mats Zuccarello tied for the best possession statistics, registering 52.4 percent of the shot attempts for while they were on the ice.

What it is about Brassard is that he possesses all the skills necessary to become a star. He skates well and has a good size frame. He’s a power play specialist that can find passing lanes. And if you set him up, he can absolutely wire a puck.

Though he hasn’t yet produced quite to the level of others in his draft class – he was selected sixth overall in 2006, the same year as players like Jonathan Toews, Nicklas Backstrom, Phil Kessel and Claude Giroux – it looks like Brassard is destined to keep upping his production year after year. If you’re a Rangers fan, there’s good reason to be excited, because this might be the start of a special few years for what could be Broadway’s newest star.

http://www.thehockeynews.com/blog/win-or-lose-derick-brassard-becoming-a-star-for-the-rangers/

 

[nyr2k2]

I wanted Brassard for years before we acquired him. Glad he's ours, and glad he's locked up. I liked his deal at the time, and he's making it look like it will be worth every penny.

 

[Larrybiv]

I wanted Brassard for years before we acquired him. Glad he's ours, and glad he's locked up. I liked his deal at the time, and he's making it look like it will be worth every penny.

Lol. Thats funny, so did I. I wish i could remember the game (just happened to change the game) the clutch play he made at a very tenuous moment for Columbus. I was envious at that moment of the Jackets and wished for him to come here. Got my wish, thanks Glen.

His continued solid play in this year's PO's, helping (nearly leading) this team's triumphant return to play for the Cup, and if we should win it......well then.....I'd say he'd already would have earned EVERY PENNY! I wouldn't care if he ever scored another goal the remainder of his contract. Oh wait.......yes I would.

 

[FLYLine27*]

IDK if he "turned his career around" here. He was a fine player in Columbus. He's definitely elevated his game since coming here, though. This season in particular.

He has absolutely been a MUCH better player here...but it was more him growing up and hitting his prime, not so much a "need of change of scenery". We saw the glimpses with Columbus, but very inconsistent.

 

[FLYLine27*]

Brassard has found his niche in New York because he's not expected to be their star center and put up 80 points. In a lot of ways he has a role player's mentality with a higher end player's skill set. For some guys that doesn't lead to very good results, but when someone puts it together it can be very nice.

I'd say what he brings is tailor made for the playoffs. My only wish is that he finds a way to be a little more consistent in the regular season. He still has a streaky side to him.

He wasnt in Columbus either, they had a guy named Rick Nash to look for to put up the 80 points (doesnt matter which forward position).

He was young, and immature with the BJs, and like most young players, VERY inconsistent. Hes years older now and learned how to reach his potential, especially with all the post season play that he never got with Columbus.

 

[nyr2k2]

He has absolutely been a MUCH better player here...but it was more him growing up and hitting his prime, not so much a "need of change of scenery". We saw the glimpses with Columbus, but very inconsistent.

Well, he's been better this season. His first full season with us was pretty much identical to his two previous years in Columbus.

 

[RangerLifer]

Well, he's been better this season. His first full season with us was pretty much identical to his two previous years in Columbus.

He's grown as a player since he's been here. What a great player to have on this team, I love it. When he gets it in his head to play well and the team needs him, he plays a big game. I wouldn't mind seeing him as our captain.

 

[Calad]

Brassard likes to feed. He collects hockey jerseys. Sakic was his favorite player growing up. In his spare time he likes to visit zoos and bowling alleys.

lol aren't those series great?

 

[PlamsUnlimited]

Brassard likes to feed. He collects hockey jerseys. Sakic was his favorite player growing up. In his spare time he likes to visit zoos and bowling alleys.

I will write him fanmail about how I do this too and hope to become best friends.

 

[bobbop]

Brassard' s time in Columbus was interesting and is worth a longer look during the summer. He had a terrific first year in the AHL and the was off to a great start in his first NHL season when he suffered a serious shoulder injury. From that point forward the BJs always seemed to feel he was underperforming. Interesting that Scott Arneil was the BJs coach for a part of that time and he and Brassard were often at odds. Seem to remember that he and Brass had a clear the air meeting when he came to NY.

Great deal for the Rangers, great contract value moving forward and that rare and highly valued player who seems to rise to the occasion in the playoffs. Got to love that.

 

[Cassano]

Well, he's been better this season. His first full season with us was pretty much identical to his two previous years in Columbus.

This. A lot of revisionist history in this thread. He wasn't that great last season, it was mainly Zucc who carried the Poo-Brass-Zucc line.

This season is a completely different story though.

 

[McSauer]

A money player. What else needs to be said?

He steps up on the big stage and comes to play in the playoffs. Last night was the type of performance a Conn Symthe winner puts on. Love it; keep it up, Brass...

 

[Beacon]

I wanted Brassard for years before we acquired him. Glad he's ours, and glad he's locked up. I liked his deal at the time, and he's making it look like it will be worth every penny.

Why would we trade Wolski for him? At this point, Wolski is basically just $4M in cap space for next year. I'd rather hold onto that than take a gamble on a guy like Brassard.

- Link


I remember when we got him, many people (not you) posted: "That's it? We didn't even get a first rounder. Wished we got a #1 instead." I'm sure a 2013 first rounder would've scored 9 goals for us these playoffs and 6 goals last spring.

Look how everyone thought we got destroyed on the Trade Board: http://hfboards.mandatory.com/showthread.php?t=1394387&page=5

"Brassards aren't conducive to championship rosters." [Not like he'll score 5 points in an ECF elimination game or nothing]



Also take a look at how nobody wanted Brass a couple years before the trade, particularly at his massive $3.2 salary: http://hfboards.mandatory.com/showthread.php?t=1046279

Quote of the year on why we don't need Brassard: "I don't see why we would mess with our chemistry and we also have Rupp and Wolski coming back."

Our moderator: "I would do something like Wolski for Brassard +."

And of course I too said no to Brassard. Damn...

 

[Amazing Kreiderman]

- Link


I remember when we got him, many people (not you) posted: "That's it? We didn't even get a first rounder. Wished we got a #1 instead." I'm sure a 2013 first rounder would've scored 9 goals for us these playoffs and 6 goals last spring.

Look how everyone thought we got destroyed on the Trade Board: http://hfboards.mandatory.com/showthread.php?t=1394387&page=5

"Brassards aren't conducive to championship rosters." [Not like he'll score 5 points in an ECF elimination game or nothing]



Also take a look at how nobody wanted Brass a couple years before the trade, particularly at his massive $3.2 salary: http://hfboards.mandatory.com/showthread.php?t=1046279

Quote of the year on why we don't need Brassard: "I don't see why we would mess with our chemistry and we also have Rupp and Wolski coming back."

Our moderator: "I would do something like Wolski for Brassard +."

And of course I too said no to Brassard. Damn...

I found my only post in that trade thread...

I don't think those guys were serious. I guess it's more guys getting a good laugh at all the people saying it was a bad trade and 2 of the 3 new guys scoring goals.

All in all, I feel this is one of the few trades over the years which makes 2 teams better. The Rangers get a more depth, which we obviously lacked. We have a 3rd line center in Brassard, a 4th line enforcer in Dorsett and a talented D-man who pushes Hamrlik out of the line-up.

We gave up Gaborik, yes. But we needed to do that. We cannot afford his 7.5 m/y cap hit. We have players like Hagelin and McDonagh to re-sign soon and getting 3 players for less bucks on the cap hit just works for us. Gaborik scored 40+ goals, yes. However, the Rangers are better off with 3 lines scoring rather than having 1 top line. Depth is really underrated by many. Despite this feeling like one of those NHL13 trades, we do not live in a NHL13 world where you can have 3 forwards making 22 million a year on your top line and having to rely on them game after game.

What also made the trade easier to accept is the short term left on Gabby's contract. I am a bit sad for not getting a 1st round pick but going 1 draft year without a top pick isn't hurting us in the long run. We have talented guys in Kreider, Miller, Thomas, McIlrath, Fasth, Lindberg and Skjei for the near future. On top of that, our core is still very young.

Defensively we have Girardi (28), Stralman (26), Staal (26), Sauer (25, although he might retire due to his concussion), McDonagh (23), Moore (22) and del Zotto (22).

Up front we have Nash (28), Callahan (28), Powe (27), Dorsett (26), Zucarello (25), Brassard (25), Hagelin (24) and Stepan (22).

All these guys are still in their 20's. We're not Calgary (no offense). Are we going to miss Gaborik? YES! Both as a player and as a person. Will we go forward without him? I really think we will.

I wasn't that upset with the trade, but never expected Brassard to grow into the player he is today. Nobody expected that.

I really thought the trade was good for both teams but Columbus messed up and gave away Gaborik for a lot less not even a year after this trade.

 

[Larrybiv]

- Link


I remember when we got him, many people (not you) posted: "That's it? We didn't even get a first rounder. Wished we got a #1 instead." I'm sure a 2013 first rounder would've scored 9 goals for us these playoffs and 6 goals last spring.

Look how everyone thought we got destroyed on the Trade Board: http://hfboards.mandatory.com/showthread.php?t=1394387&page=5

"Brassards aren't conducive to championship rosters." [Not like he'll score 5 points in an ECF elimination game or nothing]



Also take a look at how nobody wanted Brass a couple years before the trade, particularly at his massive $3.2 salary: http://hfboards.mandatory.com/showthread.php?t=1046279

Quote of the year on why we don't need Brassard: "I don't see why we would mess with our chemistry and we also have Rupp and Wolski coming back."

Our moderator: "I would do something like Wolski for Brassard +."

And of course I too said no to Brassard. Damn...

Great find Beacon.....I read some of it. Happy to say, I don't think I commented (lol)
Amazing to me the forethought of Sather (or was it just luck?) Stay with me please.

Okay, Gabby gets tossed from Columbus to L.A. he gets his ring.....good for Gabby
Brassard grows with us, gets a 25 mil.contract & is currently our best PO performer (except Hank)
John Moore eventually helps us get Yandle
Dorsett gets us (I think) a 4th rounder from Vancouver.

So, all in all.......I guess we didn't get hosed as much as everyone thought. Sather.......how?

 

[Larrybiv]

I found my only post in that trade thread...




I wasn't that upset with the trade, but never expected Brassard to grow into the player he is today. Nobody expected that.

I really thought the trade was good for both teams but Columbus messed up and gave away Gaborik for a lot less not even a year after this trade.

Good call Kreiderman. Seriously. The only one better than you......was Slats. And yes, there was no way we could keep that 7.5 on the book and still be able to keep certain players moving forward. Similar to what we had to do with Cally. Sather has to look at the BIG picture, years down the road.

like now for instance......he's thinking of obviously Stepan and Hags......and not so obvious is what to do with Klein prior to his contract being up in 16-17 for instance. Don't wait till last minute.

 

[Ghost of jas]

I wanted Brassard for years before we acquired him. Glad he's ours, and glad he's locked up. I liked his deal at the time, and he's making it look like it will be worth every penny.

Edge and I had a discussion about five or so years ago about the Rangers interest in Brassard. I had heard from two other sources that the Rangers were pursuing him, but Columbus was asking for Girardi. Now I would have made that deal, but that was when Sauer was still here. Anyway, I was thrilled when the Rangers got him for Gaborik.

 

[nyr2k2]

- Link

I remember when we got him, many people (not you) posted: "That's it? We didn't even get a first rounder. Wished we got a #1 instead." I'm sure a 2013 first rounder would've scored 9 goals for us these playoffs and 6 goals last spring.

Look how everyone thought we got destroyed on the Trade Board: http://hfboards.mandatory.com/showthread.php?t=1394387&page=5

"Brassards aren't conducive to championship rosters." [Not like he'll score 5 points in an ECF elimination game or nothing]

Also take a look at how nobody wanted Brass a couple years before the trade, particularly at his massive $3.2 salary: http://hfboards.mandatory.com/showthread.php?t=1046279

Quote of the year on why we don't need Brassard: "I don't see why we would mess with our chemistry and we also have Rupp and Wolski coming back."

Our moderator: "I would do something like Wolski for Brassard +."

And of course I too said no to Brassard. Damn...

Well, that's tough, because we had just acquired Wolski the season prior and he looked pretty decent. Swapping Wolski for Brass at the time was probably a lateral move based on their levels of production and age. We weren't in great shape relative to the cap and we knew Wolski was coming off the books, whereas Brassard had a year left. It was a gamble if Brassard didn't take off.

The timing isn't always right to acquire guys, even guys that you like. Like the Nash deal, I liked it from a talent standpoint but was really worried about it from a cap perspective.