Derick Brassard, a Canadian professional ice hockey player, embarked on his NHL journey when he was drafted sixth overall by the Columbus Blue Jackets in the 2006 NHL Entry Draft. Born on September 22, 1987, in Hull, Quebec, Brassard honed his skills in the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League (QMJHL) with the Drummondville Voltigeurs before making the leap to the NHL.
Brassard's NHL debut came during the 2007-2008 season with the Blue Jackets. Over the next few seasons, he developed into a reliable center, known for his playmaking abilities and hockey sense. His tenure with Columbus saw him gradually increase his point production, culminating in a career-high 47 points during the 2010-2011 season.
In April 2013, Brassard was traded to the New York Rangers as part of a multi-player deal. This move marked a new chapter in his career, and he quickly became an integral part of the Rangers' lineup. During the 2013-2014 season, Brassard played a crucial role in the Rangers' deep playoff run, which saw them reach the Stanley Cup Final, although they ultimately fell to the Los Angeles Kings. His performance in the playoffs, where he tallied 12 points in 23 games, solidified his reputation as a clutch performer in high-pressure situations.
Brassard continued to be a consistent offensive contributor for the Rangers over the next few seasons. In the 2014-2015 season, he recorded a career-high 60 points, showcasing his ability to both score and set up goals. His chemistry with linemates and his knack for stepping up in important games made him a fan favorite at Madison Square Garden.
In July 2016, Brassard was traded to the Ottawa Senators in exchange for Mika Zibanejad. His time with the Senators was highlighted by another impressive playoff performance in the 2016-2017 season, where he helped lead the team to the Eastern Conference Final. Brassard's experience and leadership were invaluable to the Senators during this playoff run.
The following years saw Brassard become something of a journeyman in the NHL. He was traded to the Pittsburgh Penguins in February 2018, where he played a supporting role in their lineup. His stint with the Penguins was followed by brief periods with the Florida Panthers and Colorado Avalanche during the 2018-2019 season.
In the 2019-2020 season, Brassard signed with the New York Islanders, where he provided depth and veteran presence to the team's forward group. His versatility allowed him to be utilized in various roles, contributing to the Islanders' playoff success as they reached the Eastern Conference Final.
Brassard continued his NHL career with the Arizona Coyotes for the 2020-2021 season, followed by a return to the Philadelphia Flyers for the 2021-2022 season. Throughout his career, Brassard was known for his ability to adapt to different teams and systems, bringing experience and skill to each roster he joined.
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