Senators' Brassard open to possible trade

Derick Brassard is leaving the door open.

With his team sitting a dozen points outside of the playoff picture, the Senators forward realizes his time in Ottawa could be coming to a close.

"Let's say it it this way: I will play hockey anywhere," Brassard told George Richards of The Columbus Dispatch. "I'll play anywhere. I wouldn't refuse to go anywhere in the world or anywhere in the East."

Should Brassard be on the move, he'll have some say in his destination, as his contract carries an eight-team no-trade list, per CapFriendly. Still, it doesn't appear as if that stipulation will be much of an impediment.

The Senators are expected to be sellers ahead of the Feb. 26 trade deadline, with general manager Pierre Dorion reportedly willing to consider all options, save for defenseman Erik Karlsson and winger Mark Stone.

Brassard has been a key contributor since arriving in Ottawa, including an 11-point output in last year's run to the Conference Finals. He's scored 24 points in 36 games this season.

The Senators acquired Brassard in a July 2016 deal that sent Mika Zibanejad to the New York Rangers.