Former Pittsburgh Penguins forward Derick Brassard has officially retired, bringing an end to a mostly productive 16-year career in the NHL. The 36-year-old made his decision public through an interview with Quebec outlet La Presse on Sunday.
A native of Hull, Quebec, Brassard last played during the 2022-23 season with the Ottawa Senators and sat out the 2023-24 campaign due to an ankle injury.
Brassard’s time with the Penguins, though brief, was notable. He spent parts of two seasons in Pittsburgh during the 2017-18 and 2018-19 campaigns. Former Penguins general manager Jim Rutherford orchestrated a major three-team trade on February 23, 2018, to bring Brassard from the Senators, with the Las Vegas Golden Knights also playing a role in the transaction.
As the Penguins were vying for a historic three-peat as Stanley Cup champions, the management envisioned Brassard, typically a top-six forward, anchoring their third line behind franchise icons Sidney Crosby and Evgeni Malkin. However, these plans were thwarted as Brassard suffered a groin injury late in the regular season, affecting his performance in the postseason. The Penguins were eventually eliminated in the second round by their rivals, the Washington Capitals.
Brassard began the 2018-19 season as the Penguins’ third-line center but struggled to adapt fully to the role. He was even tried as a top-six winger at times, but with limited success. Consequently, Brassard’s stint with the Penguins was cut short when he was traded to the Florida Panthers on February 1, 2019.
In total, Brassard played 54 regular-season games with the Penguins, recording 23 points (12 goals, 11 assists) and averaging 15 minutes of ice time per game.
Drafted sixth overall by the Columbus Blue Jackets in 2006, Brassard’s career saw him play for ten different teams. Besides the Penguins, Senators, Blue Jackets, and Panthers, he also suited up for the New York Rangers, Colorado Avalanche, New York Islanders, Arizona Coyotes, Edmonton Oilers, and Philadelphia Flyers.
Brassard’s journey through the NHL was marked by versatility and resilience, making a significant impact on each team he joined. As he steps away from the game, he leaves behind a legacy of dedication and professional excellence.
