I hated the Gaborik trade. I still do, kind of. But Brassard's progression saved that from being a disaster, because he really developed into a helluva player. Traded for a "3rd line center" where John Moore was supposed to be the "real asset," and we got a badass 2nd line center who could moonlight on the 1st occasionally (and in the playoffs whatever line he was centering was the 1st). He played with emotion and grit that you don't always get with skill players, and all in all, I don't have a single bad thing to say about the man.
Brassard was a very good Ranger, and I wish him nothing but best in the future.