Did Brassard Hint a Deal Is Imminent at Smashfest?

Derick Brassard at Smashfest - MADISON HARTMAN/NEW YORK DAILY NEWS

Derick Brassard was out and about supporting teammate and friend Dominic Moore in Toronto. He joined in the festivities of Smashfest, a ping pong tournament to raise money for those who are suffering from rare cancers and concussions. This is a special event to honor the memory of Dominic’s late wife Katie and his brother Steve Moore.

Read Katie’s story here.

Pat Leonard of the NY Daily News caught up with Brassard to see how things are going. “Just this week I was thinking about how excited I am about going back to New York and playing again,” Brassard told Leonard.

“It’s great to see friends and spend time with family in the summer, but after the run we had, I just feel like I want to play again. I want to do this again.” Those comments probably ring true throughout the locker room as well.

I had a brief exchange with a fan who was at the event and mingling with some of the players. Although many writers make it seem like a foregone conclusion, it was nice to hear players enjoying themselves and opening up to fans.

Brassard’s hearing is scheduled for Monday in Toronto. If we follow the blueprints of both Kreider and Zuccarello, they will never get there. Many are speculating a longterm deal at about 5.2 million to be struck as soon as this weekend.

However, it were to go to arbitration, a 1 year settlement at 4.5 million would be the likely award and put the Rangers in better cap shape for the season. The only issue is losing Brassard next offseason to thin out an already suspect position on the roster at center.

Notes: As per the NYDN, Dom Moore, Derick Brassard, Cam Talbot and Kevin Klein all played in the ping pong tournament, as did former Ranger Michael Del Zotto.

Anthony Scultore has been covering the New York Rangers and the NHL since 2014. His work also appears at ... More about Anthony Scultore
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