Derick Brassard
A versatile and battle-tested Canadian center whose playoff heroics and nomadic NHL journey made him a valued contributor on a remarkable number of teams.
Born 1987 (age 39)·Canadian ice hockey player·Birthday: September 22·Millennials
Biography
Derick Brassard's hockey narrative is one of adaptability and clutch performance, woven through an astonishing jersey collection. A high draft pick for the Columbus Blue Jackets, his early career was hampered by injuries, but he eventually blossomed into a reliable two-way center. His defining chapter came with the New York Rangers, where he became a central figure in their deep playoff runs in the mid-2010s, scoring big goals and earning a reputation as a springtime performer. From there, Brassard embarked on a uniquely peripatetic journey across the NHL, playing for ten different franchises in a span of just a few seasons. This wasn't a sign of decline, but of consistent demand; general managers valued his experience, playoff pedigree, and responsible play at both ends of the ice. While never a true superstar, Brassard's career epitomizes the valued journeyman—a skilled professional whose intelligence and timely scoring made him a sought-after piece for contenders year after year.
Millennials
1981–1996
The first digital natives. Grew up with the internet, came of age during 9/11 and the 2008 crash. Highly educated, deeply indebted, slower to marry and buy houses. Redefined work, identity, and what it means to be an adult.
Derick was born in 1987, placing them squarely in the Millennials. The events that shaped this generation — the internet revolution, 9/11, and the 2008 financial crisis — shaped the world they entered and the choices available to them.
#1 When Derick Was Born
The biggest hits of 1987
#1 Movie
Three Men and a Baby
Best Picture
The Last Emperor
#1 TV Show
The Cosby Show
Derick's Life & Times
The world at every milestone
1987Born
Black Monday stock market crash
Gas: $0.90/galHome: $72,400Min wage: $3.35/hrPresident: Ronald Reagan"Walk Like an Egyptian" — The BanglesBest Picture: The Last Emperor
1992Started school
LA riots after Rodney King verdict
Gas: $1.13/galHome: $84,300Min wage: $4.25/hrPresident: George H.W. Bush"End of the Road" — Boyz II MenBest Picture: Unforgiven
2000Became a teenager
Y2K passes without incident; contested Bush-Gore election
Gas: $1.51/galHome: $119,600Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"Breathe" — Faith HillBest Picture: Gladiator
2003Could drive
US invades Iraq; Human Genome Project completed
Gas: $1.59/galHome: $146,000Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: George W. Bush"In Da Club" — 50 CentBest Picture: The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King
2005Could vote
Hurricane Katrina devastates New Orleans; YouTube launches
Gas: $2.30/galHome: $167,500Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: George W. Bush"We Belong Together" — Mariah CareyBest Picture: Crash
2008Turned 21
Barack Obama elected first Black US president; financial crisis
Gas: $3.27/galHome: $153,100Min wage: $6.55/hrPresident: George W. Bush"Low" — Flo RidaBest Picture: Slumdog Millionaire
2017Turned 30
#MeToo movement; solar eclipse crosses the US
Gas: $2.42/galHome: $195,000Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Donald Trump"Shape of You" — Ed SheeranBest Picture: The Shape of Water
2026Age 39 today
Gas: $3.91/galPresident: Donald Trump
Key Achievements
- Scored 12 goals and 18 points in the 2015 playoffs, leading the New York Rangers in goals during their run to the Eastern Conference Final.
- Recorded a career-high 60 points (27 goals, 33 assists) in the 2014-15 NHL season with the New York Rangers.
- Played in over 1,000 regular season games in the NHL, a testament to his longevity and durability.
- Was selected 6th overall by the Columbus Blue Jackets in the first round of the 2006 NHL Entry Draft.
Did You Know?
He is the godson of Hockey Hall of Famer and former NHL coach Pat Burns.
He won a QMJHL championship and Memorial Cup with the Drummondville Voltigeurs in 2009.
He has played for more than 10 different NHL teams, making him one of the most-traveled players of his era.
He represented Canada at the 2016 World Cup of Hockey, winning the tournament.
“I just try to be reliable in both ends and help my team win games.”
