"If the Rangers are interested in C Ryan Kesler (perhaps to keep him away from Pittsburgh and Philadelphia), it will take either Derek Stepan or Derick Brassard, a prospect, (would be lucky if it's Danny Kristo or someone Torts likes, say, Marek Hrivik) and maybe a No. 2 pick if GM Mike Gillis can't pry a No. 1 from the suitors. Kesler has two years left at $5 million." (Newsday) If Callahan is getting resigned (I think there's a good shot of that happening now), we have to make this deal. Stepan, Kristo, and a 2nd. I like Stepan, I'm a big fan of sticking with the homegrown guys, but he is not a #1. He's been slow and is getting pushed around. Brassard has been 10x the player Stepan has been without the luxury of playing with Nash and Kreider. As for Kristo, he has upside but with Hags, Zucc, and Duclair and Fast in the system I am sick of the waterbug forwards. We need some size in here. I pull the trigger on that. Yeah maybe it's overpaying but this is a deal that will help both this season and the next 2, which everybody is saying is our window. We get bigger, tougher, and more experienced down the middle. When Richards is bought out, use his $$ on a raise for Brassard and a scoring winger (Moulson/Vrbata/maybe even Gaborik), then give Miller the 3rd C spot. He's ready. Kreider-Kesler-Nash Zuccarello-Brassard-Moulson Hagelin-Miller-Callahan Have McIlrath up from the get-go next year and I think that's a real good team. As for Pouliot, I really appreciate what he's done here but a pure scorer playing with playmakers like Zucc and Brassard could easily hit 30.
Oh absolutely, in an ideal world he would have been called up right after that Flyer game. For whatever reason it doesnt look like he's going to be here this year.
If the 'nucks would take Brassard over Stepan them i'm all for it. Not sold on Brassard who's 26 and has never cracked 50pts.
31 I doubt Brassard gets it done. But I'm also not sure that's a bad thing for us. Brassard and Zucc have great chemistry together, and Brassard has been a force on the PP the entire year. He's a big reason for its improvement. Stepan has been moved around and hasn't clicked with anybody, while not looking great on the PP.
Even if they could send Stepan, Kristo and a 1st that would be good, but i wouldn't let Miller hold up the deal. He's a nice player but not something they can't replace in FA.
If it takes Stepan,Kristo and a 1st or 2nd thats a trade that must be done. Stepan is a good player, but a line of Nash-Kesler-Krieder would be a very good viable first line. Stepan's skill set and Keslers skill set are different so comparing them is hard,but what keslers size and strength bring to the first line alone is why you make this trade plus he can win a faceoff.
Brassard has had Great chemistry on 3rd line but Stepan probably has more upside long term. I would do Brassard and 2nd and prospect for Kessler NOW
Dis dont get me wrong I agree, but I dont see a package built around Brassard winning the bidding war for Kesler
One thing is for sure, Brassard will never crack 50 with this current team. Bring some bigger and better players in here for him to share some ice time with, and he will.
But Brassard has never done that in his entire career. And plenty other players have cracked 50+ on the Rangers the past few years, on the same team that supposedly prevents Brassard from reaching 50. Don't buy that. I do buy that he's not all that good, and certainly not good enough to be a 2nd line center on a legit contending team. Stepan is overrated in that he's not the 1st line player some thought he is/was/could be, but he'd make a nice 2nd line C. A far better choice on the 2nd line over Brassard. For this very same reason is that i expect VAN to demand Stepan over Brassard should a trade happen.
This is my problem with our fans. Zuk-Bras-Poliout is out best line in long time, probably since Nylander-Straka-Jagr days. Our PP was top 10 in the league with Zuk in it. Why would anyone want to trade Brassard for Kesler and kill all that chemistry for a chance to build new chemistry? Yes, Kesler is good but you do not destroy success. Stepan for Kesler is fine with me as that first line is okay and I do not mind change on that line, but not Bras line.
I don't keep Brassard (or anyone) b/c of 15 games if you can get a proven upgrade. I look at the other 360gms in Brassard career where he's never been that good and realize it may be a great opportunity to sell high and acquire a better player.
Best line in a long time? Come on dude....Best 3rd line in a long time sure. But lets not exaggerate things Here are the point totals/games for those players since Dec Zuc 32 games, 28 points Pouliot 33 games, 20 points Brassard 34 points, 24 points Clearly they have great chemistry and its a good 3rd line which is impt but its not Gretzky Kurri magic You gotta give to get and if you can get Kessler for a good 3d line center you do it
Of course id rather keep Stepan over Brassard, I just don't see how in the world that gets the deal done.
