RALEIGH, N.C. -- Unable to land Michael Grabner from the Rangers, Jim Rutherford has turned his attention toward the Senators' Derick Brassard, according to sources.
The Penguins are believed to be among a handful of teams showing great interest in Brassard, one of the hottest commodities ahead of Monday's trade deadline.
The sticking point in talks appears to be money as the Penguins would need to clear cap space to acquire Brassard. According to CapFriendly.com, the Penguins are currently tight against the cap with just $1,650,231 to spare.
The Senators are seeking a package that includes a first-round pick, a top prospect and a player off the current roster for Brassard. It's unclear who the Penguins would send in return, but it would likely take top prospect Daniel Sprong.
Brassard, a two-way center, would certainly fill a need as the Penguins have been seeking a bottom-six center, according to Rutherford. Though he's been serving as the Senators' second-line center, Brassard would likely slot on the third line in Pittsburgh with Riley Sheahan moving down to the fourth.
Brassard has 17 goals and 35 points in 55 games this season (0.64 points per game) with the Senators, who are in a rebuild. In 78 playoff games, Brassard has 22 goals and 55 points (0.71 points per game). In 24 playoff games against the Penguins he has nine goals and six assists.
Sheahan has certainly made a strong argument in recent weeks to center the third line, but Brassard has long intrigued the Penguins with his strong two-way play and offensive upside. He showed that last week with this goal against Matt Murray and the Penguins:
