Report: Arizona Coyotes Make Free-Agent Splash

The Arizona Coyotes have reportedly done the unthinkable and added a veteran to their team, as it sounds like Derick Brassard appears to be heading to the desert on a one-year deal.

As per @thetender1987 (Guillaume Latendresse), ARIZ is working on a one-year contract with Derick Brassard. Not done, but heading in that direction
— Elliotte Friedman (@FriedgeHNIC) December 28, 2020

The 33-year-old spent last season on Long Island as an Islander and appeared in 66 games, netting 10 goals and 32 points. Brassard also chipped in with eight points in 18 games in the playoffs.

It was Brassard's best season since 2018 in Ottawa and now he joins his 8th team in Arizona, as he's becoming quite the suitcase. Brassard's speed should keep him in the league for a long-time and if he can showcase well in the desert, there's a chance the 'Yotes keep him longer-term. It also gives the team a chance to trade him at the deadline and add another draft pick to their cupboard.

The Coyotes recently traded veteran centre Derek Stepan to the Ottawa Senators for a second-round pick, so this signing is a touch surprising considering everyone thought they would be giving their younger players more minutes.

Photo credit: Gregory Fisher/Icon Sportswire

Derick Brassard, reportedly signing with ARI, fell off a cliff offensively after leaving Ottawa. While his numbers improved a bit with the Islanders, he still projects as solidly below replacement level next season. #AZCoyotes pic.twitter.com/mp8VgxTzPl
— JFresh (@JFreshHockey) December 28, 2020