Free Agency: Islanders Reportedly Working on Deal with Derick Brassard

The New York Islanders are reportedly in talks with Derick Brassard to work out a new deal before free agency opens next week.

The 33-year-old forward was signed to a one-year deal last offseason by the Islanders and the team and Brassard’s agent will touch base next week to see if they can extend his time on Long Island, according to the Fourth Period’s David Pagnotta. Brassard’s one-year deal was worth $1.2 million.

The NY Islanders & Derick Brassard are trying to work out a contract extension. The two sides will talk again this week in an attempt to get a deal done before he hits free agency.

— David Pagnotta (@TheFourthPeriod) October 4, 2020

Derick Brassard recorded 32 points (10 goals, 22 assists) in 66 regular-season games this year. He added another eight points (two goals, six assists) in 18 playoff games.

Considering the cap crunch that the Islanders are in at the moment, the news that they’re looking to bring him back does seem somewhat perplexing. The Islanders only have $8.9 million in cap space, baring a trade or other moves to free up some money, and general manager Lou Lamoriello has three high profile restricted free agents to lock up as well.

Derick Brassard would likely be looking at another deal around $1 million for a season or two at the most.

Also mentioned by Pagnotta was word that Thomas Greiss is expecting to hit the open market when free agency begins. The news is not surprising considering the Islanders’ current goaltending situation. The expectation is that Ilya Sorokin will serve as the Islanders 1B goalie while he adjusts to the NHL game.

More on the Islanders, though not surprising given their goaltending situation: They have had recent talks with goalie Thomas Greiss, but at this point he is expecting to hit the UFA market on Friday.

— David Pagnotta (@TheFourthPeriod) October 4, 2020

Semyon Varlamov has three years remaining on a four-year deal and despite some speculation that he could be traded for cap space, it would be hard to imagine that scenario playing out.

Greiss has earned whatever contract he gets during the offseason, but that won’t be with the Islanders because of the cap crunch they’re under.

NHL free agency begins on Friday at noon.