Islanders: Stay Away From Derick Brassard, Let the Kids Play

There is a report the New York Islanders are extending Derick Brassard’s contract. There is no need with the young talent waiting in the wings.

As we wrote an article about this yesterday, there is a rumor (first reported by David Pagnotta) that the New York Islanders are in talks with Derick Brassard to extend his contract.

The 33-year-old, NHL journeyman is a pending unrestricted free agent, who will hit the market if the Islanders cannot complete a deal with him by the end of the week.

Last season Brassard played in 66 games where he has 10 goals and 22 assists and has a -2 plus/minus. He was a non-factor in the playoffs for the Isles and was omitted from the lineup four times as a scratch, during the Isles run to the Eastern Conference Finals.

This does not sound like the type of player who you would like to re-sign, especially when the Islanders have restricted free agents that they need to get deals done with, who are keys to the Islanders long-term success.

Why spend the money on Brassard, when you can promote from within?

Let The Kids Play

One thing is for certain, the Islanders have some good forward prospects who could potentially fit in well on the third line for the upcoming season.

There are the likes of Oliver Wahlstrom, Kieffer Bellows, and Otto Koivula who could step in and replace Brassard. We’ve seen a small sample size of each of these players and each has done well in their respective games with the big club.

These three young guns have a positive upside and potential, compared to the 33-year-old Brassard, who some would say his play is declining in the latter days of his career.

In this instance, the Islanders need to get younger and need players who are a force on the ice and have the potential to change the game at a moment’s notice.

I believe it is time for the Isles to move on from Brassard and give one of these young players a chance to establish themselves as a member of the Islanders.

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If there is one thing I have learned under Lou Lamoriello’s tenure, it is to trust in him. He always has something up his sleeve. We will find out in the coming days if the Islanders do in fact extend Brassard and will follow up on this rumor.

Isles Country: Should the Islanders re-sign Brassard or let the young guns battle for his spot? Leave your comments below!

*All Stats Provided by the NHL*