Brassard feels ahead of schedule in recovery from shoulder surgery

Derick Brassard is feeling pretty good.

The Ottawa Senators center underwent shoulder surgery following the team's run to the Eastern Conference Final, and believes his recovery is going better than expected.

"I haven't really talked to the doctors and stuff, just doing the daily routines in the gym with trainers," Brassard told Ken Warren of the Ottawa Citizen. "We'll see where we're going to be when training camp opens. I would say I'm probably ahead of (schedule), but they would never clear you before four months. I'm sure (the doctors) will be cautious with it to make sure I'm ready to go 100 percent."

Oct. 6 will mark four months from the date of his surgery.

Acquired in the trade that made Mika Zibanejad a member of the New York Rangers, Brassard skated in his first season with the Senators last year, putting up 39 points in 81 contests. While his production dropped off from his final season on Broadway, he emerged as one of the Senators' top postseason performers, as he posted 11 points in 19 games.

Ottawa could have a few new faces to help Brassard create offense this season. That list includes Boston College forward Colin White, who appeared in three games with the Senators last season, and possibly offensive blue-liner Thomas Chabot, the CHL Defenseman of the Year.

Brassard is itching to get back on the ice despite what feels like a short break.

"It was a short summer," Brassard added. "I had the surgery a couple of weeks after the last game, so I was pretty busy with that in training. Now, I'm just excited to be back."