On Wednesday, the Islanders signed Derick Brassard to a 1-year, $1.2 million contract, filling the role of third-line center. The 31-year old center is coming off a whirlwind of a season, traded twice and ultimately playing for three separate teams. That led to just 23 points in 70 games, which is objectively the worst season of his career.
Given where his contract landed, it seems that expectations are realistic — at least from the Isles’ brass (er, no pun intended) — on what Brassard can offer. Let’s take a look at a bit of a deeper level and talk about the contract and the player.