OFFICIAL: #NYR have acquired Mika Zibanejad & a 2018 2nd rd pick from OTT for Derick Brassard & a 2018 7th rd pick. pic.twitter.com/RjkiVAagpy
— New York Rangers (@NYRangers) July 18, 2016
The New York Rangers made that bombshell move that fans have been calling for. Derick Brassard has been shipped to Ottawa for Mika Zibanejad.
Well, if you are a New York Rangers fan that has been waiting for a big move, Jeff Gorton has delivered.
Derick Brassard is now an Ottawa Senator. Yeah, repeat that to yourself a few times before it sinks in.
The Rangers acquire forward Mika Zibanejad (say that name a few times as well) and a 2018 2nd round pick for Brassard and a 2018 7th round pick.
Here are Brassard’s and Zibanejad’s stats for the last three years, side by side:
Brassard
Zibanejad
If you’re going just off of the stats, you have to like this trade. Jeff Gorton not only acquired a forward that has similar stats but is also five years younger (Brassard is 28 and Zibanejad is 23).
Oh, and Gorton made further moves to stock that somewhat dry prospect pipeline in two years.