The New York Islanders didn’t have a lot of cap space going into this offseason, and because of that, forward Derick Brassard wasn’t able to re-sign with them. Instead, he reportedly signed with the Arizona Coyotes. It will be a one-season deal. And according to Coyotes insider, Craig Morgan the deal is worth $1 million.
This deal is not done yet, but it is in the works to bring Derick Brassard to the Coyotes. https://t.co/TRhi4agcDY
— Craig Morgan (@CraigSMorgan) December 28, 2020
1 year, $1.2 million for Brassard, per league source. https://t.co/rxPXPsAkKr
— Craig Morgan (@CraigSMorgan) December 30, 2020
Per league source, Brassard’s 1-year salary is $1 million, not $1.2 as I previously reported. @CapFriendly reported the correct amount first. https://t.co/p5lvKzGq8V
— Craig Morgan (@CraigSMorgan) December 30, 2020
Derick Brassard Signs the Coyotes
Brassard spent only one season with the Islanders. Yet, he was able to rejuvenate his career a bit, especially after a few very down seasons. He had 10 goals and 32 points in 66 games. He was a very good fit in their bottom-six throughout the season. Before that, he was struggling in Pittsburgh and Colorado as he just couldn’t find his game. He ended up getting traded twice in a two-year span. One that got the Senators a big package for him, and the second for when Pittsburgh decided to cut ties. Part of his struggles were because his shooting percentage went in the tank but he just wasn’t a fit for either of those two teams.
He ended up playing in 18 Islanders’ playoff games this past year and he was superb in those. He had two goals and eight points in those games. His eight points were the most he’s had in the playoffs since 2016-17 when he was with the Senators. He’s never been a good possession player, (this year his CF percent was below 45 percent). The Islanders also aren’t that good of a possession team as well so it definitely can get better.
What This Means Going Forward
The Coyotes are hoping that they get this past version of Brassard. If they do, it’ll get them that much closer to a Stanley Cup. He has everything they want in a player that will fit in their bottom six, whether it’s depth scoring, power-play minutes, and the ability to play multiple positions.
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