19 Derick Brassard C

Penguins' Derick Brassard: Ineffective in second-round series

After coming over from Ottawa at the trade deadline, Brassard tallied eight points in 14 contests for Pittsburgh before adding another four in the playoffs. Looking ahead to 2018-19, the Quebec native figures to take on the third-line center role full time -- although Riley Sheahan will likely push for more ice time. If the 30-year-old Brassard can provide the level of production he did while with the Rangers (40-plus points a year), the Penguins will have arguably the best center groupingin the NHL next season.

Penguins' Derick Brassard: Records assist, but misfires eight times

This had to have been a frustrating night from Brassard, especially when he was robbed by Michal Neuvirth on a one-timer at the doorstep. However, there are plenty of daily formats where his eight shots weighed more heavily in terms of fantasy points than a single goal. If the Flyers are to force a Game 7, they need to seal holes in the defensive zone because Brassard cut through it like a hot knife on butter.

Penguins' Derick Brassard: First goal of postseason

Although Brassard is just averaging 12:52 of ice time so far through the first three games of the series, he's made his mark on the power play, now having a goal and an assist on the man advantage. Philadelphia also leads the NHL in minor penalties so far this postseason, perhaps foreshadowing consistent time on the man advantage for Brassard throughout the first round, although he'll likely keep coming out with the second unit. Although the 30-year-old's playoff experience doesn't match the Penguin's core, he's been past the first round four times and just recently made the Eastern Conference Finals with Ottawa in 2016-17, and should continue to be deployed with confidence by head coach Mike Sullivan.

Penguins' Derick Brassard: Ready to go for Game 1

The Penguins will be happy to have Brassard in their lineup for Game 1, as he has been a steady contributor up front since joining the team in late February at the trade deadline, totaling three goals and eight points in 14 contests. The former Senator will skate in a bottom-six role Wednesday, centering Conor Sheary and Phil Kessel on Pittsburgh's third line.

Penguins' Derick Brassard: Game-time call as playoffs begin

Penguins coach Mike Sullivan tends to be coy about the status of his injured players, so we'll have to wait and see if Brassard takes to the ice for pregame warmups. Acquired from Ottawa ahead of the trade deadline, a healthy Brassard would assume a spot on the third line centering Conor Sheary and Phil Kessel.