NHL rumors: Edmonton Oilers have interest in Derick Brassard
In need of a third-line center, the Edmonton Oilers are reportedly talking to free agent center Derick Brassard.
The Edmonton Oilers have been surprisingly active this offseason. They’ve hired Dave Tippett away from Seattle’s front office to be their new coach. Furthermore, long-time Detroit Red Wings general manager Ken Holland is now their general manager. The Oilers, though, haven’t added much to their roster. But according to the latest NHL rumors, they’re talking to free-agent center Derick Brassard.
This report comes from The Edmonton Journal. In an article about Jesse Puljujarvi’s latest drama, Kurt Leavins makes a note that the Oilers are talking to Brassard’s representation.
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Though his price is reportedly high at $4 million per year, which is too much for the Oilers, they could talk him down to a more reasonable price.
However, Leavins also notes the Montreal Canadiens might have interest in Brassard as well. Though it is worth noting the Habs don’t have much cap space either. The Oilers have $2.4 million of cap space according to CapFriendly, but they could create more space simply by sending down a forward.
Brassard is coming off a down year, as he had just 23 points. That was his lowest point total in any season since the 2007-08 season, his rookie year. It’s also Brassard’s lowest point total in a full season. However, he’s more experienced than the Oilers’ other third-line center options.
Cooper Marody, who posted well over a point per game last season in the AHL, is one of those candidates. However, he lacks NHL experience. Jujhar Khiara, Kyle Brodziak, Markus Granlund, and Sam Gagner are among the others.
Also, it’s worth noting Brassard still had more points last season than their other options. Unless the Oilers are willing to make Ryan-Nugent Hopkins a third-line center, which would involve separating Leon Draisaitl and Connor McDavid, Brassard would most likely their best option and would unquestionably be their most proven one.
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The Oilers have a huge question mark right now on their third line. Unless they make a trade for someone, Brassard is likely their best option down the middle. And with very few suitors, it’s not hard to see his asking price of $4 million dropping to something far more palatable for the Oilers. The fact that they’re reportedly in talks is encouraging and it might be a good sign the asking price will be something more reasonable than the reported $4 million per year.