According to the latest NHL trade rumors, it will take at least a first-round pick to pry Derick Brassard loose from the Ottawa Senators
During the 2016 offseason, the Ottawa Senators traded promising young center Mika Zibanejad to the New York Rangers. In exchange, they got a less expensive (salary wise) center in Derick Brassard. He’s been quite good for them, playing a significant role in their success in 2016-17. However, the latest NHL trade rumors have the Senators listening to calls on him.
NHL insider Pierre LeBrun gave some insight into the price for the center.
Senators talking to teams about Derick Brassard; price is believed to be a 1st RD pick, top prospect plus 3rd piece. Brassard has another year left on his deal next season at $5 M aav although it's $3.5 M in real cash
— Pierre LeBrun (@PierreVLeBrun) February 12, 2018
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The Senators are in no rush to trade the center. Brassard’s value is likely higher than usual because while his cap hit is $5 million, he’s only due $3.5 million in salary. And since the Senators aren’t ready to have a complete firesale yet, they hold the cards in this situation.
Last season, Brassard put up 39 points (including 14 goals) in 81 games during the regular season. In the postseason, he put up 11 points in 19 games. Combined, that gave Brassard 50 points in 100 games.
In 52 games this season, he has 14 goals and 30 points. Not bad considering Brassard plays for the Senators, who rank 28th out of the 31 NHL teams in scoring. He has a modified no-movement clause which allows him to submit a list of eight teams he can’t be traded to without his permission.
The price for Brassard sounds about right. After all, it’s roughly what the Arizona Coyotes got for Martin Hanzal last season. Same with the St. Louis Blues and Kevin Shattenkirk. He’ll be able to potentially influence two postseasons should he be traded at the trade deadline.
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This is something the Senators will likely do in the offseason. But for the right price, a team could have him a few months earlier. The Senators are listening on a lot of players, so expect them to be busy at the trade deadline.
For updated NHL trade rumors, check out our Rumors page!