The Ottawa Senators have reportedly let it be known that Derick Brassard is available, but they want a sizable return. The asking price is believed to be a first-round pick, a top prospect, and a third piece, according to TSN's Pierre LeBrun.
Brassard will be an unrestricted free agent after the 2018-19 campaign and has a cap hit of $5 million. He has 14 goals and 16 assists in 52 games this season.
Earlier this season, the 30-year-old center said he'd be open to a possible trade, but about a week later, the Ottawa Sun's Bruce Garrioch reported the Senators wouldn't trade him. Now, it appears they've become more open to the idea.
Selling at the deadline is the obvious philosophy for bottom-feeding teams, but Ottawa has more incentive to win than their fellow basement dwellers.
They traded their 2018 first-round pick to Colorado in the Matt Duchene trade. However, it is top-10 protected, meaning if they wind up choosing in the top 10, they have the option to keep the pick. In that case, Colorado would get their 2019 first-round pick no matter what.
The Ottawa Senators have reportedly let it be known that Derick Brassard is available, but they want a sizable return. The asking price is believed to be a first-round pick, a top prospect, and a third piece, according to TSN's Pierre LeBrun.
Brassard will be an unrestricted free agent after the 2018-19 campaign and has a cap hit of $5 million. He has 14 goals and 16 assists in 52 games this season.
Earlier this season, the 30-year-old center said he'd be open to a possible trade, but about a week later, the Ottawa Sun's Bruce Garrioch reported the Senators wouldn't trade him. Now, it appears they've become more open to the idea.
Selling at the deadline is the obvious philosophy for bottom-feeding teams, but Ottawa has more incentive to win than their fellow basement dwellers.
They traded their 2018 first-round pick to Colorado in the Matt Duchene trade. However, it is top-10 protected, meaning if they wind up choosing in the top 10, they have the option to keep the pick. In that case, Colorado would get their 2019 first-round pick no matter what.
theScore's NHL Power Rankings are published every other Monday. Our eighth installment is put together by editors Josh Wegman, Flip Livingstone, and Cory Wilkins.
1. Tampa Bay Lightning (38-14-3)
Previously: 1st
The Lightning have been the best team in the league from the get-go, and they show no signs of slowing down. There's a chance they could finish the season with the Vezina, Norris, Hart, Art Ross, and Rocket Richard trophy winners on their roster. That's absurd. - Wegman
2. Nashville Predators (33-12-9) ▲
Previously: 5th
Though the Predators remain behind the Golden Knights in the standings, the return of Filip Forsberg - perhaps one of the league's most underrated players - makes them the NHL's second-best team. Moreover, they seem to be picking up steam, compiling a record of 10-1-3 in their last 14 games. - Wegman
3. Vegas Golden Knights (36-15-4) ▼
Previously: 2nd
It's crazy that seven wins in their last 13 games is considered a rough patch for the Golden Knights, but that's the reality. If it weren't for the surging Predators, they'd likely remain in the No. 2 spot. - Wegman
4. Boston Bruins (34-12-8) ▼
Previously: 3rd
The Bruins have been on a remarkable run, losing just five times in regulation since mid-November. In fact, their loss to Buffalo Saturday was Tuukka Rask's first regulation defeat since Nov. 26. They too have become a victim of the red-hot Preds. - Wegman
5. Winnipeg Jets (32-15-9) ▼
Previously: 4th
Winnipeg managed to go 11-2-3 with Mark Scheifele sidelined. Blake Wheeler filled in admirably down the middle during that stretch, giving head coach Paul Maurice endless lineup combinations to use with his top center back in the fold. - Wegman
6. Toronto Maple Leafs (33-19-5) ▲
Previously: 8th
The Maple Leafs are 7-1-0 since promoting Mitch Marner to the second line alongside Nazem Kadri and Patrick Marleau. Marner has as many goals (six) in that span as he did in his previous 49 games, and Kadri has also elevated his play, picking up 10 points during that stretch. A potent second line has made the Leafs a matchup nightmare for opposing coaches. - Wegman
7. St. Louis Blues (34-21-3) ▼
Previously: 6th
Can Carter Hutton maintain his otherworldly play in net? Will Doug Armstrong be able to add a scoring winger to aid a middling offense? Will Joel Edmundson's injury loom larger than one might think? There are questions that need to be answered with the Blues, but regardless, they're still one of the more well-rounded teams in the NHL. - Wegman
Washington isn't going to win a third straight Presidents' Trophy, but it still remains the class of the Metro at this point, and that says a lot given how competitive the division is this year. - Wegman
10. Pittsburgh Penguins (31-22-4) ▲
Previously: 12th
The Penguins appear to have turned a corner, and that's incredibly scary for the other 30 teams in the league. They're 6-1-1 in their last eight games, and Sidney Crosby, Evgeni Malkin, and Phil Kessel are rolling. - Wegman
11. Minnesota Wild (30-19-6) ▲
Previously: 13th
There is no denying that the Wild are a group knocking on the postseason door, but that is likely the ceiling. Minny has the unfortunate trait of being a bubble team that is rather average in terms of top-end talent. Deadline improvements will be needed to book a ticket for playoff puck. - Livingstone
12. Anaheim Ducks (27-19-11) ▲
Previously: 17th
The Ducks have struggled to stay healthy this season. But, with Ryan Getzlaf and Ryan Kesler back in the lineup and the rest of the roster at full health, Anaheim is a completely different squad. Don't sleep on the Ducks, as they are a deep group with an outside shot at making some noise come April. - Livingstone
13. Los Angeles Kings (30-20-5) ▲
Previously: 18th
L.A. has gone 4-2 since the All-Star break, but those two losses came against the Lightning and Predators, arguably the two best teams in the league. With that and Jeff Carter's pending return in mind, the Kings are a side that no team will want to deal with in the first round. - Livingstone
14. Calgary Flames (29-19-8) ▼
Previously: 9th
Seven losses in their last 10 see the Flames sputtering at the most crucial point of the season. Their top line of Johnny Gaudreau, Micheal Ferlund, and Sean Monahan has been lights out, but after that, Calgary's offense leaves something to be desired. Expect GM Brad Treliving to be a very busy man over the next two weeks in search of some added scoring. - Livingstone
15. San Jose Sharks (30-18-8) ▼
Previously: 11th
The Sharks have only missed the postseason twice since 1997. Let that sink in for a second. So, it should come as no surprise that San Jose finds itself firmly in the mix for one of the three Pacific Division playoff spots. Joe Thornton and Joel Ward are out for the foreseeable future, so don't be shocked if the Sharks make a move for some depth up front. - Livingstone
16. Philadelphia Flyers (28-19-9) ▼
Previously: 15th
Special teams continue to be the Flyers' biggest strength and weakness, as Philly sits seventh in power-play efficiency and third-last in penalty killing. A sensational top-six forward group that includes three players (Claude Giroux, Sean Couturier, and Jakub Voracek) in the top 20 in points will need added reinforcements on the blue line if the Flyers want to compete for a Cup. - Livingstone
17. Colorado Avalanche (30-21-4) ▼
Previously: 14th
Considering last year's dumpster fire of a season, the rest of this campaign for the upstart Avalanche has to be considered gravy, as Colorado has taken a big step forward. The Avalanche are within striking distance in the West, but with burgeoning superstar Nathan MacKinnon out for the next couple of weeks, Colorado will be in tough to maintain its position. - Livingstone
18. Columbus Blue Jackets (28-23-4) ▼
Previously: 16th
A preseason pick by many to be in contention for the Cup, Columbus has struggled mightily to score all year, netting an embarrassing 141. Only the Red Wings, Coyotes, and Sabres have fewer goals, and that certainly is not enough to get the job done in the high-flying Metro Division. - Livingstone
19. New York Islanders (27-24-6)
Previously: 19th
The Islanders play an exciting brand of offensive-minded hockey, which has led them to scoring an impressive 188 goals - only the Lightning have more (196). Unfortunately, New York happens to lead the league in goals allowed and owns potentially the least reliable goaltending duo in the NHL with Jaroslav Halak and Thomas Greiss. - Livingstone
20. New Jersey Devils (27-20-8)
Previously: 20th
New Jersey is picking a really bad time to play some of its worst hockey of the season. Losses in seven out of their last 10 contests have the Devils trending in the wrong direction and Cory Schneider's groin injury adds more reason for concern. - Livingstone
21. Carolina Hurricanes (26-21-9) ▲
Previously: 23rd
The postseason is a priority for the Canes under new owner Tom Dundon, whose gone as far as stuffing the arena to create a playoff-like atmosphere. The Hurricanes are in the thick of the race in the East and could make their first appearance to the dance since 2009. - Wilkins
22. New York Rangers (27-24-5) ▼
Previously: 21st
The firesale is underway in Manhattan, with management acknowledging that some short-term pain is in order to restock for the future. That means fans could see some familiar faces shipped out ahead of the deadline, from veteran winger Rick Nash to captain Ryan McDonagh. - Wilkins
23. Chicago Blackhawks (24-23-8) ▼
Previously: 22nd
Years of cap challenges always meant the Blackhawks could miss the playoffs this season, but who saw Chicago sitting last in the Central Division and double-digit points back of the pack? That's led to Blackhawks general manager Stan Bowman announcing his team is unlikely to be a buyer this deadline. - Wilkins
24. Florida Panthers (23-23-6) ▲
Previously: 27th
Not yet out of the mix, the Panthers can thank relief goaltender Harri Sateri for keeping alive the team's slim playoff hopes. With regulars Roberto Luongo and James Reimer on the sidelines, Sateri has shined, including a recent run that saw him post four straight victories. - Wilkins
25. Edmonton Oilers (23-27-4) ▲
Previously: 28th
This wasn't the sort of season Oilers fans and GM Peter Chiarelli had in mind. Edmonton is a seller heading toward the deadline, and the biggest decision could be what to do with Connor McDavid's linemate, Patrick Maroon, who is an unrestricted free agent this offseason. Maroon has netted 40 goals over the past two seasons and could command a significant raise to stick in Edmonton. - Wilkins
26. Detroit Red Wings (22-23-9) ▼
Previously: 24th
Defensive depth serves well in the playoffs, and the Red Wings have a prime trade chip ahead of the deadline in veteran rearguard Mike Green. Recouping young assets for the experienced defender will do a lot to further the Red Wings' rebuild, as would moving either goaltender Jimmy Howard or Petr Mrazek to a club needing to shore up its crease. - Wilkins
27. Montreal Canadiens (22-26-7) ▼
Previously: 25th
The wandering Canadiens would be well-served to follow suit of the Rangers and restock their prospect cupboard in the coming weeks. While long-term commitments to Carey Price and Shea Weber mean the Canadiens are still built to win now, that shouldn't stop GM Marc Bergevin from moving the likes of Tomas Plekanec, and possibly captain Max Pacioretty, for younger assets. - Wilkins
28. Ottawa Senators (19-26-9) ▲
Previously: 29th
Like many clubs at the bottom, the Senators recognize the playoffs aren't happening this year, and it's in the team's best interest to sell some veteran players in return for young talent. Recently extended GM Pierre Dorion won't move star players Erik Karlsson and Mark Stone, but anyone else could potentially be available. - Wilkins
29. Vancouver Canucks (22-28-6) ▼
Previously: 26th
Rookie sensation Brock Boeser, who's sure to be a Calder candidate at season's end, is a sign of what's to come in Vancouver. While this season is lost, more reinforcements are on the way with Swedish standout Elias Pettersson and up-and-coming Finnish blue-liner Olli Juolevi. - Wilkins
30. Buffalo Sabres (16-30-10)
Previously: 30th
Times are already tough in Buffalo, and the news that superstar Jack Eichel will be out of the lineup long term doesn't help matters. Should the Sabres move out other key pieces such as netminder Robin Lehner or scoring winger Evander Kane prior to Feb. 26, it'll be even more of a challenge for Buffalo to find the win column in the season's final stretch. - Wilkins
31. Arizona Coyotes (13-32-10)
Previously: 31st
With no playoffs coming to the desert for the sixth straight year, the focus turns to who is sticking around for the future. Goaltender Antti Raanta is a pending unrestricted free agent, while star blue-liner Oliver Ekman-Larsson can put his name on a long-term extension as soon as July 1. - Wilkins
The Las Vegas Strip treated the Philadelphia Flyers just fine on Sunday night, as Philly handed the Golden Knights only their fourth regulation loss of the season at T-Mobile Arena.
In fact, this was the first time all year that Vegas had lost consecutive games at home in regulation.
The Flyers got yet another stellar performance from budding star Sean Couturier, who scored and added two assists to set career highs in both categories (28 goals, 29 assists).
With the defeat, the Golden Knights overall record dips to 36-15-4, but they still hold a firm grip on first place in the Pacific Division, currently sitting with an eight-point lead over the San Jose Sharks.
They may have come away with a big two points against the New York Islanders on Sunday night, but the Calgary Flames' loss between the pipes was much, much bigger.
Flames No. 1 goaltender - and potential MVP - Mike Smith went down awkwardly with 1.1 seconds left in the third period after trying to make a save. Smith rolled onto his back, clearly in pain, and left the game.
Despite Calgary not providing any update on his status postgame, Twitter exploded with an outpouring of concern and support for the Flames' starting netminder.
Given Smith's history of groin injuries and his importance to the team's success, hockey fans in Calgary are more than a little bit nervous about Smith's well-being:
UM?????? IF MIKE SMITH IS INJURED I WILL SUE THE ENTIRE STATE OF NEW YORK
CAL with a huge comeback to beat NYI, 3-2, but Mike Smith helped off-ice with 1.1 seconds to go. That's a potentially major development. He's having an MVP-type year
Injuries to starting goalies are never good, at any time of the season.
But considering the approaching trade deadline and that Calgary lost AHL goalie Tyler Parsons to injury Sunday as well, things are going from bad to worse for a Flames team fighting for their playoff lives.
Rough day for #Flames goalies. Mike Smith goes down with 1.1 seconds remaining in a win against the Islanders, and Tyler Parsons leaves with an apparent injury (per @AHLHeat) in a loss to Milwaukee too.
A pending unrestricted free agent, Maroon carries an affordable $1.5-million cap hit, and could bring some added size and a scoring touch to the Bruins.
Over the past two seasons in Edmonton, Maroon has combined for 40 goals playing alongside Oilers superstar Connor McDavid. He recorded a career-high 42 points with the Oilers last season.
Where Maroon will close out this year's campaign will be known soon enough, as the trade deadline is set for Feb. 26.
An apparent groin injury forced Calgary Flames netminder Mike Smith to leave Sunday's contest against the New York Islanders with just 1.1 seconds remaining in the game.
Backup goaltender David Rittich came in for the closing moments, holding on for a 3-2 win.
While neither the nature of Smith's injury nor a timeline has been announced, a prolonged absence could be devastating to the Flames, with the team in the thick of the Western Conference playoff race.
Smith has arguably been the Flames' MVP this season. He held a 22-16-6 record alongside a .921 save percentage entering Sunday's game.
The Flames acquired Smith from the Arizona Coyotes last offseason.
Smith struggled with groin ailments through six campaigns with the Coyotes, as he missed 12 games last season and another 40 contests the previous year.
The 35-year-old was also sidelined for the final 10 games of the 2013-14 campaign. Arizona finished that season with 89 points, missing the playoffs by just two points.
In all, Smith has had a long history of groin injuries since 2012:
Brown drilled Tampa Bay Lightning rearguard Mikhail Sergachev with a knee-on-knee hit Saturday night and was assessed a five-minute major and game misconduct for kneeing. Despite extending his knee and not making any attempt to get out of Sergachev's way, Brown was only handed a one-game suspension by the NHL's Department of Player Safety on Sunday.
George Parros, the head of the department, has been under fire recently for his inconsistent doling out of suspensions, which continues with Brown's one-game punishment.
