Derick Brassard
Derick Brassard was drafted 6th overall in the first round of the 2006 NHL Entry Draft by the Columbus Blue Jackets. The Hull, Quebec native played four years (2003-2007) in the QMJHL with the Drummondville Voltigeurs and finished with 218 points in 151 total games. In his first two junior seasons, he was awarded numerous Rookie of the Year awards, played for Team Quebec at the Under-17 World Hockey Challenge and was a member of Canada’s Under-18 Team. In 2005-06, he played in the Top Prospects Game, was named to the QMJHL First All-Star Team and won the Mike Bossy Trophy for the league’s top draft prospect. He signed a three-year contract with the Columbus Blue Jackets in September 2006, but didn’t make his NHL debut until January 11, 2008 against the St. Louis Blues. He scored his first NHL goal less than a month later on February 2nd against the Minnesota Wild. That same season, he also played with Columbus’ AHL team, the Syracuse Crunch, where he led his team with 36 regular season assists and also with 9 post-season assists. He played in 31 games with the Blue Jackets during the 2008-09 season, before suffering a season-ending shoulder injury on December 18, 2008 against the Dallas Stars, when he got into a fight with James Neal. Within those 31 games, he produced 25 points and a +12 rating. During the off-season, he signed a four-year contract extension with the Blue Jackets. Brassard plays with great skill at both ends of the ice, including good skating ability. He displays great playmaking and scoring qualities, however he could shoot the puck more. Also, at 6 feet tall and around 190 pounds, this centerman could work on becoming a stronger player.
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