Report: Senators trade Brassard to Penguins
The Pittsburgh Penguins are reportedly acquiring Derick Brassard, but the deal isn't quite done yet.
Pittsburgh is landing the centerman from the Ottawa Senators for defenseman Ian Cole, goaltending prospect Filip Gustavsson, and a first-round pick in 2018, according to TSN's Darren Dreger.
However, the transaction doesn't appear as simple as that.
PIT-OTT deal involving Brassard is ultra-complicated, so much so that Brassard will likely first be traded to a team other than PIT. Then flipped to PIT. Hearing that third team is likely VGK. Potential for layers of salary retention.
— Bob McKenzie (@TSNBobMcKenzie) February 23, 2018
Brassard is an experienced centerman with legit goal-scoring ability. His playoff point production - 55 points in 78 games - and toughness will be a solid addition up the middle for the Penguins. Through 58 games this campaign, he's notched 18 goals and 20 assists.
As for Cole, the 29-year-old Michigan native is a 2007 first-round draft pick of the St. Louis Blues who has three goals and 10 assists in 17:37 of ice time per night this season.
However, don't expect him to remain with the Senators long, as TSN's Pierre LeBrun is reporting the team intends to flip Cole before Monday's trade deadline.