Derick Brassard Announces Retirement After 16 NHL Seasons

Derick Brassard, a 36-year-old forward, has announced his retirement from the NHL after a 16-season career. Selected sixth overall by the Columbus Blue Jackets in the 2006 NHL Draft, Brassard played over 1,000 games with 10 different teams, amassing 545 points (215 goals, 330 assists) in regular-season play and 68 points (25 goals, 43 assists) in 118 playoff games. Highlights of his career include helping the New York Rangers reach the Stanley Cup Final in 2014. Brassard's tenure with the Pittsburgh Penguins, including a complex three-team trade in 2018, did not meet expectations as he struggled in a third-line role. His last season was with the Ottawa Senators in 2022-23, where he netted 23 points before suffering a season-ending tibia fracture. Brassard was known for his perseverance, sportsmanship, and dedication, qualities recognized by his nomination for the Bill Masterton Memorial Trophy.