There is no doubt that if there is a team that should trade away some of its players its the Columbus Blue Jackets. They currently sit last in the NHL standings with 20 points and only have recorded 8 wins in 29 games.
Now I am not saying they should trade the likes of Rick Nash or Jeff Carter. But secondary players such as Kristian Huselius, Antonie Vermette or Derick Brassard should be considered. The contracts of these players are are not small a t all, but what is most interesting is that there is three years left on Brassard’s contact at #3.2 million per year.
Why Brassard should be traded?
Brassard is another 1st round draft pick that has not turned out the way the Blue Jackets had hope for. There was a little hope last season when Brassard recorded 47 points in 74 games. But his 5 points this season just has set my mind back on the fact that I do not think Brassard will be an impact player in Columbus.
Another reason the Jackets should trade Brassard is the fact that this team has several quality centers. Thus this team’s major need this season and for the foreseeable future is offensive help on the defense.
Over the course of this season there has been rumors that Brian Burke could be interested in acquiring the 6′ 1″, 200lbs center, 23 year old center. He would fit well in Toronto as Brassard is just as good on the wing as he is down the middle. Brassard is young and talented but just not working out in Columbus. Also there is the fact that GM Scott Howson was spotted at several Toronto Marlies game this season.
Toronto has several defenders that could be work in a trade to Columbus. I know we all would like Mike Komisarek and John Michael Liles to be traded, but their no trade clause in their contracts do not help the situation. So what about Cody Franson or Carl Gunnarson. For Brassard to come to Toronto, Burke would need to move a center of his own to make sufficient room.
Now if this deal would happen I would expect more players to be involved than the ones I have mentioned. Its just obvious in my eye that there is obvious needs that Toronto and Columbus have and both teams can help each other out by making a trade.
Rant Sports Toronto Maple Leafs Feature Writer
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Brassard might fit in with the Leafs. I’m curious though about the statement that “we’d all like” to see John Michael Liles traded? Huh? I haven’t really heard much talk about trading Liles, and he’s a definite upgrade on Kaberle. Personally, I’m hoping they resign Liles.
Me saying we all like to see JM Lilies go is saying a lot, I should reword that. and I do agree that JM is much better than Kaberle. But there as been a ton of messages sent to me by fans saying that they wish JM would be traded.
Brassard isn’t worth anything. No one with even half a brain would give up more than a 4th rounder for him. He’s a bust that’s slightly better than a Daigle.