League Buzz: Brassard’s expiring contract carries value for deals involving high-priced 3rd line centers with term

Penguins eyeing forward for forward swap?

Jim Rutherford has gone public again in comments about Derick Brassard in stating the obvious that Brassard is underperforming. Rutherford often speaks off the cuff but he’s also calculated in trying to get messages out. However, it’s reached the point where how does it do Brassard or the team any good at this point to go public that he’s performing well below expectations? Enough messages through the media and to the player have already been sent.

The Penguins always planned to get through December before deciding which direction they wanted to go with Brassard and the decision’s been made over the last week or so to aggressively engage in trade scenario’s.

Pittsburgh is evaluating situations to move Brassard for a draft pick to open up salary cap space that would be connected to a separate move, and are kicking around a forward for forward type swap, and they’re not married to getting a center back in return.

All options are being put on the table.

There’s been some Brassard for [hide] Zack Kassian + a high pick (coming Pittsburgh’s way) talk circulating that is said to have been kicked around in Penguin circles, but word is Edmonton’s on Brassard’s no trade list, though, players can always decide to waive. Last year Brassard blocked a trade to Winnipeg and most of the Canadian teams are on his eight team no-trade list, but he might waive to go anywhere at this point.[/hide]

Pittsburgh and Anaheim talked Brassard and To read this insider news, subscribe to get “Inside Access”!