IN THE MATTER OF SALARY ARBITRATION BETWEEN: DERICK BRASSARD - AND - THE NEW YORK RANGERS HOCKEY CLUB BRIEF IN SUPPORT OF DERICK BRASSARD (TEAM 8) 1
I: INTRODUCTION AND OVERVIEW....1 A: OFFENSIVE 2-WAY CENTER...1 B: AN ADAPTABLE MULTI-TOOL ASSET. 5 C: CONTRIBUTION TO NEW YORK RANGERS HOCKEY CLUB....6 II: COMPARABLE PLAYERS..8 Sam Gagner 9 Chris Stewart..10 III: CONCLUSION 10 2
I. INTRODUCTION AND OVERVIEW This brief is in support of NHL centre forward Derick Brassard s ( Mr. Brassard ) position in salary arbitration with the New York Rangers Hockey Club (the Rangers or the Club ). Mr. Brassard is in his final off-season as a Group 2 Restricted Free Agent ( RFA ). Under this current status, Mr. Brassard s permissible election for salary arbitration pursuant to Article 12.9(c) 1 will only allow the awarding of a one-year contract. In accordance with Article 12.9(g) 2 of the CBA, in determining a salary arbitration award value, an evaluation of Mr. Brassard s career statistics and overall contribution to the Club will be conducted. Additionally, Mr. Brassard will be further evaluated via a comparison of eligible comparable NHLPA Players: Sam Gagner and Chris Stewart. Based upon these evaluations, Mr. Brassard respectfully submits that an award above the $5 million midpoint figure is a reasonably fitting award, and that a oneyear contract for $5.25 million is justified. A. Offensive Two-way Centre At 6 1 and 202 lbs., Derick Brassard is a decently sized physical two-way centre with great skating and offensive ability. He has spent his NHL career between the Columbus Blue Jackets and the New York Rangers. Mr. Brassard, the 6 th overall selection in 2006, was traded to the Rangers in a 2013 multi-player deal. 3 Since then, Mr. Brassard has played two seasons with the Rangers as a third line centre. Building off a career season last year, Mr. Brassard will likely be slotted in as the second line centre 1 NHL Collective Bargaining Agreement, 2012, s.12. 2 Ibid. 3 http://www.tsn.ca/nhl/player-bio/derick-brassard/bio 3
after a summer of turnover at the Rangers centre position that saw Brad Richards and Brian Boyle entering the free agent market. 4 Table 1: Career Statistics for Derick Brassard 5 Season GP G A P +/- PIM PPG PPA S% HITS GvA TkA (CLB) 2007-08 17 1 1 2-4 6 0 0 7.7 11 3 4 (CLB) 2008-09 31 10 15 25 12 17 3 4 17.0 40 13 21 (CLB) 2009-10 79 9 27 36-17 48 4 6 7.2 97 14 21 (CLB) 2010-11 74 17 30 47-11 55 6 10 9.3 121 23 26 (CLB) 2011-12 74 14 27 41-20 42 5 10 11.2 137 28 35 (CLB) 2012-13 34 7 11 18-2 16 1 6 11.1 53 10 16 (NYR) 2012-13 13 5 6 11 3 0 2 2 20.0 30 7 3 (NYR) 2013-14 81 18 27 45 2 2 7 11 11.3 124 28 28 TOTAL 404 81 144 225-37 230 28 49 10.8 696 144 173 In his first full season with the Rangers last year, Mr. Brassard established great chemistry between Mats Zuccarello and Benoit Pouliot. Mr. Brassard who also became a staple of the second power play unit, finished fourth on the Rangers in points (45) and goals (18), and fifth in assists with 27. 6 It must be noted that Mr. Brassard set a career record for goals that season. Like the entire Rangers team that won only two games in their first eight, Mr. Brassard failed to impress in the early portions of the 2013-14 season. 7 Faced with a glut of forward injuries in the early stages of the season, Mr. Brassard was asked to play a top-six role for the Rangers. Unfortunately, Mr. Brassard did not find much success until he was inserted back into his natural third-line role between Mr. Zuccarello and Mr. Puliot near the middle of the season. From January to the middle of the season, Mr. Brassard was a plus 13 player that doubled his goal production, scoring 12 goals on top of the 6 he scored in the months leading up to January. 8 This new line was able to drive 4 http://prohockeytalk.nbcsports.com/2014/07/26/brassard-rangers-about-1-1m-apart-in-arbitrationrequests/ 5 www.nhl.com/ice/playerstats 6 www.nhl.com/ice/playerstats 7 http://rangers.nhl.com/club/app 8 www.nhl.com/ice/playerstats 4
possession with Mr. Brassard s great passing ability and his capacity to break up the play as evidenced by his 173 career takeaways (TkA) and 696 hits in 404 career games. Mr. Brassard also excelled on the power play that year, earning a team-high seven goals utilizing his potent wrist shot. His vision and puck moving ability really opened up the ice for the second unit, which in turn created space for Mr. Brassard to add to his point tally. B. Brassard as an Adapatable Multi-Tool Asset We see that Brassard has followed a consistent and developing offensive trajectory, under six unique coaches (4 in Columbus and 2 in New York). He scored over.5 PPG under the instruction of coaches as diverse as high-flying top-6 offensively minded coaches like Tortorella and defense first hockey from Ken Hitchcock, evinces Brassard s tremendous hockey sense and adaptability. Brassard proves to be an elite playmaker. For each of the past two seasons, the average number of shots per 20 minutes with Brassard on the ice was greater than the number of shots without him. 9 10 With Brassard presence in the center of the ice, the Rangers are not only more likely to possess the puck but create chances on net. This is the result of Brassard s clever puck control and distribution. Over the past three seasons Brassard s presence has resulted in.76, 0.79 and 0.74 goals for per 20 minutes, while the Rangers high-powered offence produced.68,.77 and.68 goals for without Brassard. 11 Brassard is the key to his linemates success. Brassard has the rare ability to create scoring and maintain high-level defensive responsibility. These are precisely the 9 http://stats.hockeyanalysis.com/teamstats.php?db=201314&sit=5v5tied_f10&disp=1&sortdir=desc&sort =GFPCT (5v5 FF20, FFA20, TMFF20 and TMFA20 (13-14 and 12-13) 10 Ibid. (5v5 FF20, FFA20, TMFF20 and TMFA20 (13-14 and 12-13) 11 Ibid. (5v5 GF20, GA20, TMGF20 and TMGA20 (12-13, 13-14 and 15-16) 5
trappings of an elite, championship winning centerman in the modern game. When we isolate Brassard s teammates production, with and without him, we can fully appreciate how he is a player that controls the play in all three zones. His determination and contribution makes those around him better, establishing Brassard as a natural leader 12. C. Contribution to the New York Rangers Hockey Club Brassard is well prepared to take on increased responsibility with the departure of Brad Richards. Brassard s line carried the team offensively when he was vaulted on the first line Brad Richard s was underperforming, Chris Kreider and Rick Nash were injured for long stretches and Derek Stepan s play was terribly inconsistent. His power-play numbers proved to be, by far, the best given his ice time. 13 While leading the team in power-play goals with 7, Richards saw more time with the man advantage, averaging 3:40 per game compared to Brassard s 2:31 per game. Nonetheless, Brassard championed his power-play unit and produced only one less power-play point than Richards. Given this disparity time on ice, we should expect even further growth of Brassard s power-play totals and efficiency. Table 2: Playoff Performance for Derick Brassard Season GP G A P +/- PIM PPG HITS GvA TkA (NYR) 2012-13 12 2 10 12 1 2 1 28 7 9 (NYR) 2013-14 23 6 6 12 4 8 0 32 7 12 TOTAL 35 8 24 24 5 10 1 60 14 21 12 http://forecaster.thehockeynews.com/hockeynews/hockey/player.php?5025 13 http://www.nhl.com/ice/playerstats.htm?gametype=2&position=s&season=20132014&sort=powerplay Goals&status=A&team=NYR&viewName=scoringLeaders http://www.nhl.com/ice/playerstats.htm?fetchkey=20142nyrsasall&sort=avgpowerplaytoipergame &viewname=timeonice (Power Play Goals / Time on Ice) 6
Brassard shows tremendous development and learning throughout the regular season. 14 His playoff prowess evinces that he has played his best hockey in the most meaningful games and against tough opponents. Over his last two seasons his goals per game have increased from 0.17 (0.15. in the October, November and December) to 0.31 from January to February. His PPG in the final two months of the last two regular seasons remains above.30. Brassard managed 7 points in his first 20 games last year, followed by 38 over his last 61 and sustained a 50 point pace in the playoffs. 15 This is a player who appreciates seasonal nuances and works tirelessly to improve his game throughout each season, irrespective of significant internal system and coaching changes. Brassard proves consistent in sustaining his upward seasonal trajectory into significant playoff success. Brassard thrives in the toughest games and under high pressure, precisely the trappings of a champion. It should come as no surprise that Brassard s performance in the playoffs is indicative of a player who can take his game to the next level, it follows his upward seasonal trajectory and corresponds with his demonstrated ability to thrive when facing adversity. He is a dedicated athlete who maintains himself physically and mentally in order to produce his best hockey when the stakes are highest and can produce elite offensive production well after his 82 nd game. His hockey smarts allow him to thoroughly understand and exploit series opponents. 16 Brassard is fresh of his career high season in games played (81), goals (18), power-play goals/assists/points (7/11/18) and tied for the lead of his Eastern Conference 14 http://newyork.cbslocal.com/2014/09/16/hartnett-hockey-nerd-derick-brassard-is-bound-to-do-bigthings-on-broadway/ 15 http://espn.go.com/nhl/player/splits/_/id/3506/year/2014/derick-brassard 16 http://newyork.cbslocal.com/2014/09/16/hartnett-hockey-nerd-derick-brassard-is-bound-to-do-bigthings-on-broadway/ 7
Championship winning team, in power-play goals. 17 We see it is not surprising that Brassard had the second most game winning goals and third in playoff goals, after 23 post-season games. 18 This season provides an excellent foundation for further success in offensive production. We can expect an uptick in performance from this healthy, skilled and maturing centerman. II. COMPARABLE PLAYERS A. Sam Gagner (Age: 25, HT: 5 11, WT: 202 lbs) Arizona Coyotes In July of 2013, Group 2 RFA centre Sam Gagner re-signed with the Edmonton Oilers at an average annual salary of $4.8 million. Two years later, Mr. Gagner was acquired in a trade by the Arizona Coyotes on June 29, 2014. Mr. Brassard and Mr. Gagner, both former 6 th overall picks, are NHL centremen that possess great scoring instincts and strong playmaking ability. Table : 2012-13 Regular Season Comparator 19 Player GP G A P +/- PPG PPA PIM HITS GvA TkA Gagner 48 14 24 37-6 4 11 41 35 26 23 (CLB) Brassard 34 7 11 18-2 1 6 16 53 10 16 (NYR) Brassard 13 5 6 11 3 2 2 0 30 7 3 (NYR/CLB) Brassard 47 12 17 29 1 3 8 16 83 17 19 Table : Regular Seasons Career Comparator 20 Player GP G A P +/- PIM PPG PPA HITS GvA TkA Gagner 482 101 194 295-78 246 30 57 190 289 181 (NYR) Brassard 404 81 144 225-37 230 28 49 696 144 173 Gagner and Brassard produce roughly the same offensive output,.61 and.55 points per game, respectively. But Brassard s contribution to the team as a two-way 17 http://www.nhl.com/ice/playerstats.htm?gametype=2&position=s&season=20132014&sort=powerplay Goals&status=A&team=NYR&viewName=scoringLeaders 18 http://www.nhl.com/ice/playerstats.htm?gametype=3&position=s&season=20132014&sort=points&stat us=a&team=nyr&viewname=summary 19 Ibid. 20 Ibid. 8
player is much more profound. Gagner s one-dimensional game has seen 78 more goals scored against his team than for, when he is on the ice. Brassard s play off the puck is also demonstrated in his perennial dominance in takeaways, last season he recorded 81 to Gagner s 67. Brassard contributed 1.7 hits per game compared to Gagner s.39. Brassard s larger stature suggests that these hits in quality, as well as quantity, provide more energy and confidence to his teammates, while frustrating and debilitating opponents. B. Chris Stewart (Age: 26, HT: 6 2, WT: 231 lbs) Buffalo Sabres In July of 2013, Group 2 RFA Chris Stewart re-signed with the St. Louis Blues at an average annual salary of $4.15 million. Less than a year later, Mr. Stewart was acquired in a trade by the Buffalo Sabres on February 28, 2014. Mr. Brassard and Mr. Stewart, both former 2006 first rounders, are NHL forwards that possess both a great shot and a talent for breaking up plays. Table 3: 2013-14 Regular Season Comparator (Source: NHL.com) Player GP G A P +/- PPG PPA PIM HITS GvA TkA Stewart 63 15 11 26 0 3 3 118 80 13 12 (NYR) Brassard 81 18 27 45 2 7 11 2 124 28 28 Table 4: Regular Seasons Career Comparator (Source: NHL.com) Player GP G A P +/- PIM PPG PPA HITS GvA TkA Stewart 508 143 113 228-18 447 39 28 526 149 115 (NYR) Brassard 404 81 144 225-37 230 28 49 696 144 173 Brassard s.55 points per game exceeds Stewart s.45. His physical contribution to the Rangers (1.7 hits per game) too exceeds that of Stewart (1.03 hits per game). Brassard s aggression and intensity does not make his team ensure penalty kills at nearly the rate of Stewart (.88 PIM per games played), as especially important trait in physical and high 9
intensity playoff hockey. Brassard has far more takeaways than Stewart over the past 3 seasons, solidifying his dominance in the neutral and defensive zone. 21 III: Conclusion Derek Brassard Brassard proves to be a central piece of the further development of a perennial championship contending hockey club. Upon careful analysis of his performance and contribution in contrast with those earning contracts with an annual average value of $3.5 million, it is clear that Brassard is deserving of greater compensation for his superior contribution 21 http://www.sportingcharts.com/nhl/stats/player- giveaways- statistic/2013/ ( 12 and 11) 10