New York Islanders: Derick Brassard Expectations For 2019-2020

Yesterday, the New York Islanders signed veteran Derick Brassard to a one-year deal. Here’s what we can expect from him in 2019-2020.

The New York Islanders seemingly added third line depth yesterday by landing Derick Brassard on a one-year $1.2 million deal. A good value deal for a team that needed help at center on the third line.

Brassard is coming off the worst year of his career in 2018-2019. In 70 games, spread out between the Avalanche, Panthers, and Penguins he had 23 points (14 goals, 9 assists).

Obviously, that’s pretty far removed from his days with the Rangers when he put up a 60 point and then 58 point season in his final two years with the club. Now, at 32 years old, he will be asked to be a depth center.

While Brassard isn’t someone that you can rely on the penalty kill, he is someone who can give you depth scoring, which is exactly what the Islanders need. He can even help on the power play which is a huge need for the Isles.

If PP1 has Devon Toews, Mathew Barzal, Anders Lee, Jordan Eberle, and now Derick Brassard that looks a little bit nicer. It would leave Brock Nelson, Anthony Beauvillier, Michael Dal Colle/Josh Ho-Sang, Ryan Pulock, and Nick Leddy on PP2 which already looks a lot better than last year’s model.

What makes this signing appealing as well is the AAV on the one year deal. At $1.2 million, the Islanders could cut bait and not think twice about it if this thing goes sideways. THIS is a good value bottom-six deal (and no trade protection!)

The Expectation

Derick Brassard won’t be as bad as he was last year. He played on three different teams last season which didn’t help his cause. Coming into a stable environment, and one that he’s familiar with (New York) will be a welcomed change for Brassard who will be a fine depth piece.

Brassard should give you what Val Filppula did essentially. A veteran presence who can give you 15-20 goals and 30-35 points. For Brassard, I’ll go with 32 points (15 goals, 17 assists).

Potential Lines

Beauvillier – Barzal – Eberle

Lee – Nelson – Bailey

Dal Colle – Brassard – Ho-Sang

Martin – Cizikas – Komarov

In order to optimize Brassard putting him with two young guys should be rather effective. He can “show them the ropes” while Anthony Beauvillier gets one more chance to prove that he belongs on the wing of Mat Barzal.

It isn’t the prettiest of lines but it should do the trick if the defense is able to hold up, and Semyon Varlamov can be an improved goalie in 2019-2020.