Derick Brassard joins three-peat effort

On Friday, February 23rd, the Penguins finally addressed their third line center predicament by trading for Ottawa center Derick Brassard. Brassard joins at the perfect time with the Penguins coming off of a six-game winning streak and, have seemingly righted the ship from the first half of the season.

In return, the Pens have sent defenseman Ian Cole, highly touted goaltender prospect Filip Gustavsson, and their 2018 first round pick to the Senators. They also sent defenseman Ryan Reaves to the Las Vegas Golden Knights. In return Vegas will retain 40% of Brassards 2018 salary. The Penguins will also receive Ottawa’s third round pick this season along with prospects Tobias Lindberg and Vincent Dunn.

The addition of Brassard has turned a glaring weakness into quite possibly the greatest center strength in the NHL. As Riley Sheahan began to stabilize the third line center position, he will now spearhead the fourth line. It will be interesting to see who joins Brassard on the third line with Phil Kessel, whether it be ex-teammate Carl Hagelin or Jake Guentzel, or any of the rotating first line wingers.

Brassard brings a two-way game to the middle of the third line that has desperately needed defensive help. He is big enough to hold off defensemen from the puck and possesses good scoring qualities. Brassard is a proven playoff contributor posting 55 points in 78 career playoff games. Brassard is expected to make his Penguins debut on Tuesday or Thursday this week, pending the clearance of his immigration paperwork.

The downside to this trade was evident Saturday night. The aforementioned six-game winning streak came to a halt in Florida as the Panthers won 6-5. In a fast paced and high scoring game, Jamie Oleksiak and Matt Hunwick struggled to find chemistry on the third defensive line. Both appeared out of position on counters and gave up numerous give-and-go plays. The absence of a re-surging Cole had to be on everyone’s mind.

With last nights game fresh in his mind, GMJR may not be finished wheeling and dealing before the trade deadline tomorrow at 3 p.m. to add some defensive depth. This was the case last year as he brought in Ron Hainsey and Mark Streit.