7 Facts: Derick Brassard

Derick Brassard is the newest member of the New York Islanders after signing a one-year deal on Wednesday afternoon. The 31-year-old center is a 12-year NHL veteran, featuring stints with Columbus (2007-13), the Rangers (2013-16), Ottawa (2016-18), Pittsburgh (2018-19), Florida (2019) and Colorado (2019). The Quebec native stands 6-foot-1, 202-pounds, shoots left and was drafted sixth overall by Columbus during the 2006 NHL Draft.
Here are seven things to get to know the Isles newest player.

1. HIS STATS:

Brassard has 451 points (176G, 275A) through 786 career games - 10th among players in his draft class . Traditionally, Brassard has played as the top or second line center and has been a fixture on the power play, having scored 52 power-play goals in his career. Last season Brassard recorded 23 points (14G, 9A) in 70 games between the Penguins, Panthers and Avalanche.

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2. HE'S A VETERAN CENTER:

In addition to Brassard's 786 regular season games (90th among active players), the 12-year vet has appeared in 99 career playoff games spread throughout seven trips to the post-season, including a trip to the Stanley Cup Final in 2014. Brassard has 60 career playoff points (23G, 37A) including four power-play goals.

3. HE'S WON MEDALS WITH TEAM CANADA:

Brassard has won two medals in international play with Team Canada. As a teenager, Brassard had four assists in six games as he and Team Canada picked up a silver medal at the 2005 u-18 World Juniors Championships.
Brassard won a gold medal at the 2016 International Ice Hockey Federation (IIHF) World Championships. Brassard had a fantastic showing, leading Canada with with 11 points (5G, 6A).
Instagram from @brassardderick: World champion !!! 🇨🇦🇨🇦🇨🇦🇨🇦

4. HE HAS SOME ISLANDERS CONNECTIONS:

Brassard will see some familiar faces on Long Island in Cal Clutterbuck, Tom Kuhnhackl and Semyon Varlamov. Brassard played with Clutterbuck at the 2005 U-18 Worlds and was teammates with Kuhnhackl for 26 games (regular season and playoffs) in Pittsburgh in 2017-18 season. After playing 10 games with the Florida Panthers this past season, Brassard was traded to Colorado where he finished the season and suited up for nine playoff games alongside Varlamov.

5. HE'S A GOLFER - AND ONCE HAD A HOLE-IN-ONE:

Fortunately for the avid golfer, there are no shortages of luscious courses throughout the Island. Brassard enjoys playing a couple rounds in his free time and has even scored the ever-so-rare hole-in-one.
Instagram from @brassardderick: First hole in one 😁. @wides6 @claesson3 @ryanhicks4525

6. HE'S FRENCH-CANADIAN:

Brassard is a native of Hull, Quebec and speaks fluent French. Brassard was in the Quebec junior pipeline from playing triple A for the Gatineau L'Intrépide from 2002-04 to playing for the QJMHL's (Quebec Major Junior Hockey League) Drummondville Voltigeurs from 2004-07.

7. HE WON THE MIKE BOSSY TROPHY IN JUNIOR:

Back in 2006 when he was tearing up the 'Q' with Drummondville, he was awarded the Michael Bossy Trophy for QMJHL Best Professional Prospect. Brassard finished the regular season 116 points (44G, 72A) in 58 games and was named to the QMJHL First All-Star Team.