Derick Brassard, drafted sixth overall by the Columbus Blue Jackets in the 2006 NHL Entry Draft, could serve as a mentor on the bench for Ryan Johansen or Matt Calvert. Instead, he has watched this year’s rookie class play from the confines of the press box. Not because of injury, but rather because they’ve taken his spot.
Brassard has been a healthy scratch for three of the last five games. Coach Scott Arniel is trying to send a message to the player once expected to be the Blue Jackets’ superstar.
Whether or not that message has been received is not yet known. Since Columbus has picked up its play in recent games, Arniel has no reason to change the lineup. This means that until the Blue Jackets start to struggle, Brassard could be lacing up dress shoes instead of skates.
Last season, the Canadian forward registered 47 points in 74 games. This year, he has not had the same success. In 16 games, Brassard has only four points and has a plus/minus rating of -11.
Ryan Johansen, in his first NHL season, has eight points through 15 games. Matt Calvert, who played less than half of last season with Columbus, has three points in 13 games with a -1 plus/minus rating.
Calvert’s numbers are not as high his first season suggested they would be, though his defensive play has made up for the lack of offensive production.
What does this mean for Derick Brassard? It means he better pick up his game or start packing his bags.
It has been rumored that general manager Scott Howson is looking for a top goalie to take over for Steve Mason. The play of backup goalie Curtis Sanford might have slowed down trade talks, but the possibility of a player swap is still prevalent.
Howson made it clear that any player with the exception of Rick Nash is fair game for negotiations. Brassard could be the Blue Jackets key to a good trade. Toronto and Ottawa are among a group of teams that have expressed interest in the forward.
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