Coyotes Sign Free Agent Derek Brassard

Derick Brassard skates with the puck for the Islanders

Photo by: Getty Images

Kyle Hildebrand // Dec. 31, 2020

 

GLENDALE -- The Arizona Coyotes added veteran depth to their roster Wednesday after signing Derick Brassard to a one-year deal.

 

After an out-of-the-blue trade which sent Derek Stepan to the Ottawa Senators for a 2nd-roumd 2021 draft pick, which many say was an overpay.

 

Nonetheless, this move cleared up cap space for Arizona. Stepan had one year left on a $36 million cap ($2 million base this season). 

 

Days later the Coyotes would announce the signing of Brassard to a 1-year, $1 million contract. 

 

Brassard took his time deciding on a new home to play in this season, after playing with the Islanders last season, but felt his calling was in Arizona.

 

“I think this team is heading in the right direction. It just made sense for me to come here," Brassard said in a zoom interview Wednesday.

 

GM Bill Armstrong views Brassard as a versatile player who radiates that to other players around him.

 

"I've always liked his feel for the game. I think he's had a great feel with the puck on his stick and he makes players better around him," Armstrong said.

 

In 66 games with the Islanders last season, Brassard notched 10 goals and 32 points total. 

 

Brassard is excited to get rolling in the desert and liked the roster he saw.

 

"[They have a] good mix of speed and grit and four limes that can play every night," he said. "They have a good mix of veteran players and young guys."