Derick Brassard, Center/Left Wing – Blue Jackets (2007-13), New York Rangers (2013-16), Senators (2016-18, 2022-23), Penguins (2018-19), Panthers/Avalanche (2019), Islanders (2019-20), Coyotes (2020-21), Flyers (2021-22), Oilers (2022)
Talk about a guy who has bounced around the league, Derick Brassard has never really settled in one place after playing for 10 teams in his 15-year career in the NHL.
While Brassard has had his fair share of health issues in the last few years, and has not played above 65 games with solid numbers as well since the 2019-20 season, he has youth on his side. Brassard is only 35-years-old, and can easily play for two, maybe even three, more years – barring any major injuries.
One thing that Brassard brings with him is versatility which can help the Bruins out in different settings like on the powerplay. This gives them the opportunity to break him out on the wings, if need be, especially if centers like Coyle or Jesper Boqvist get going.
What else does Brassard bring to the table other than versatility?
One big thing that Brassard brings to the table is some chemistry with one current Bruin: James van Riemsdyk. In his time in Philadelphia with the Flyers, Brassard was the center on a line that featured the aforementioned van Riemsdyk and Gerry Mayhew. Both would be newcomers to the team, but with both of them in new environment, it would help to have some familiarity for both.
What he could also do for them is if Boston were to move forward with Coyle and Zacha as their first-line centers, he could act as a fifth winger, occasionally creeping into the top-six or as a third-line center if it were to not work out with Boqvist or Morgan Geekie.
Another thing he brings is his familiarity with the Eastern Conference. Much like Staal, he knows what Eastern Conference hockey is like; whereas, Stastny has played the majority of his career in the Western Conference.
2022-23 cap hit: $750,000.00