New reports have it that Brassard has signed a one-year deal with the New York Islanders. He spent the end of last season with the Colorado Avalanche and his new deal is worth $1.2MM, so it's a low deal for both him and the Islanders.
The 31-year-old will attempt to get his career back on track after having not lived up to expectations at his last three spots. After becoming a reliable offensive powerhouse for the Columbus Blue Jackets, the New York Rangers, and the Ottawa Senators, Brassard was with the Pittsburgh Penguins and struggled to find his way despite having many opportunities in a talent-rich lineup. He then ended up being traded to the Florida Panthers and then to Colorado last season. With Colorado, he was limited to the fourth line duties in the playoffs and then was not given an offer when his contract expired.
This is very low-risk for both him and the Islanders, which will give him the opportunity to prove himself. He still has elite level talent when given a bigger opportunity and in Pro Hockey Rumors's Top UFAs this offseason, he came in at #25, which means he has value but his production hasn't reflected that of late.
Are the Islanders making a big bet? Not exactly, but they need some sort of veteran presence if they have any chance to make it farther in the playoffs than last year. We'll see if he can bring back that offensive firepower that he had when he was still in his youth.
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