Not content to sit idly by and let the trade deadline come and go like they did last year (at least at the NHL level), the Avalanche dipped their toe in the trade waters by acquiring Derick Brassard from the Florida Panthers.
The Avalanche also acquired a sixth-round selection in the 2020 NHL Draft if Brassard does not re-sign with Colorado. In exchange, Colorado sent their third-round selection in the 2020 NHL Draft to Florida.
Brassard is expected to make his Avalanche debut tonight…against the Panthers. The 31-year-old forward has seen the shine come off significantly this year after being a deadline acquisition of the Pittsburgh Penguins last year. It’s easy to blame age on the decreased effectiveness of Brassard as he accumulated just 15 points (nine goals, six assists) in 40 games for the Penguins.
Brassard was dealt to Florida earlier this season and played in 10 games with the Panthers, totally four points (one goal, three assists). The combination of modest numbers, advanced age, and pending unrestricted free agency help explain the relatively cheap cost of the deal.
There are legitimate question marks about Brassard’s effectiveness as a player these days as his on-ice results have cratered as well as his production.
While he certainly won’t be the high 50-point guy he was with the Rangers a few years ago, there are some reasons for optimism. I’ve talked to a few people around the Pens about Brassard’s year and the vibe was Brassard was miserable in his role and was looking to get out. On-ice results typically don’t lie, however, and his role in Colorado has not yet been determined.
The Panthers didn’t have him long but everyone had great things to say about him. It seems by all accounts he’s a great guy to have in the locker room and might be a guy who just needed a change of scenery. Only time will tell but here’s Florida coach Bob Boughner talking about Brassard:
— Adrian Dater (@adater) February 25, 2019
And, here is how Dater and A.J. summed up the trade, along with other thoughts on the deadline:
— Adrian Dater (@adater) February 25, 2019
0 Comments (11 conversations)
TylerPalmer
Good deal, you didn’t give up much and you got some much needed forward depth. There are some people losing their minds over this like the Avs just gave up a pick that would have been a sure-fire HOFer. Those same people probably would have lost their minds and criticized the Avs if they hadn’t done anything too.
Jose
Not really much to give for a proven NHL player. He may be getting a little old in the tooth, or maybe just was not happy with the Pens and Florida?
It will be interesting to see how this goes.
Nels
Can anyone list the guys the Avs have taken in the 3rd round or later that have turned into real and decent NHL’ers? Alltime? Anybody? Good for Joe, nice to see he isn’t actually in hibernation this winter.
mladen
I would rather they be sellers, Sven, Borque, Barb, Wilson, Cole. Let Greer, Dries etc. get the ice time.
B
Based on what FLA got for Brassard, we’d be getting 7th round picks or AHLers for the guys listed above.
Grogger
Barrie, Liles, Hinote, Vrbata, Niemenen, David Jones, Tom Gilbert, Brad Richardson. Nordiques: Hejduk, Drury, Kamensky, Gusarov, Anson Carter, Kovalenko.
NoMoreRats
Shocked that the Avs traded for someone who was once in the CBJ system…
Not a terrible rental. 31 isn’t crazy old and he had 21-25-46 as recently as last year so I think it’s a little premature to label him declining. He may be but he’s also been shuffled around a bit. I’m not jumping for joy but I think people on Twitter are overreacting quite a bit. He’s two years younger than Carl and may earn a contract. He obviously wans’t happy in PGH. It has the potential to be a win for Joe. It’s not like he went and got Kovalchuk or Rick Nash. 447 points in 766 games.
So what is his role on the Avs?
Pucklehead
Agree, low cost rental, adds depth, playoff experience…much greater upside than downside…nice job Joe S
Rich
Nice pick up getting a 3rd line Center or a top 6 Winger. From all accounts he brings a high Hockey IQ & playoff experience. Good job – Joe!
Eagle_Avs
‘@TylerPalmer, why make this about fans, and their opinion’s? Talk about the trade. Stop trying to start arguments.
pixelrebirth
That sakic impression made my day! This was an amazing live podcast. LOVED this. Please do this more. Amazing! I liked seeing the feedback from the fans after the fact.
Hockeyhead
AD, AJ, that live podcast reminded me of watching Wayne’s World. Great hockey infotainment! Dater Joe might hire you as a second. This Brassard deal could be good if they find the right role for him.