A week to the day before the NHL's trade deadline, the rumor mill is already beginning to swirl.
According to TSN's Darren Dreger the Penguins are in "in the mix" for Ottawa Senators center Derick Brassard.
Brassard is an interesting target this week. Sens need to make a hockey deal. Multiple teams, including Pittsburgh, are in the mix.
— Darren Dreger (@DarrenDreger) February 19, 2018
The 30-year-old would certainly fill a need as the Penguins are seeking a bottom-six center, according to Jim Rutherford. Though he's been serving as the Senators' second-line center, Brassard would likely slot on the third line in Pittsburgh with Riley Sheahan moving down to the fourth.
Sheahan has certainly made a strong argument in recent weeks to center the third line, but Brassard has long intrigued the Penguins with his strong two-way play and offensive upside. He showed that last week with this goal against Matt Murray and the Penguins:
Brassard has 17 goals and 35 points in 55 games this season (0.64 points per game) with the Senators, who have been selling off veteran parts, most recently Dion Phaneuf and Nate Thompson.
Most impressively, Brassard elevates his game in the postseason. In 78 playoff games, Brassard has 22 goals and 55 points (0.71 points per game). In 24 playoff games against the Penguins he has nine goals and six assists.
However, the asking price for Brassard is believed to be steep, TSN's Pierre LeBrun reported last week. Senators GM Pierre Dorion is seeking a first-round pick, a top prospect and a third piece for Brassard, according to LeBrun.
To continue reading, log into your account:
