Derick Brassard: Ottawa’s Masterton Trophy Nominee for Perseverance, Sportsmanship, and Dedication to Hockey

Senators’ Derick Brassard has been an invaluable asset to the team, consistently proving himself as a top performer on and off the ice. As such, he has become one of the top candidates for the Masterton Trophy, an award that celebrates perseverance, sportsmanship, and dedication to the game. In this article, we delve into why Brassard is such a worthy candidate for this prestigious award, exploring both his professional accomplishments and personal resilience. Through his hard work and determination, Brassard has shown himself to be an inspiration to fans and fellow players alike, and we feel he deserves recognition for this.


Derick Brassard’s determination and perseverance have earned him the nomination for the Masterton Trophy, an award presented by the Professional Hockey Writers Association that honours players for their sportsmanship, perseverance, and dedication to hockey. This season has been nothing short of a beautiful story for the Ottawa Senators’ forward, but his journey almost ended when he suffered a broken fibula during a home game against the Philadelphia Flyers on March 30.

The injury might have prevented Brassard from finishing the season, but it didn’t diminish his achievements. The 35-year-old veteran has played for 10 different organizations over a 15-year NHL career, including two stints with the Senators. Despite the competition, he won a spot at Senators’ camp and played in 62 games where he scored 13 goals, the most he’s had since 2017-18.

Brassard’s determination is evident in his pursuit of reaching the 1000-game plateau, which he completed when the Senators played against his former team, the New York Rangers, on March 2. Not only did he reach this milestone, but he also scored twice in a 5-3 victory, further cementing his legacy as “Big Game Brass.”

While injuries plagued the Senators’ season, Brassard stepped up to fill a need, including on the second unit power play. He also tried to be a mentor to some of the younger Senators, serving as a good older brother to the team.

Brassard’s NHL future remains uncertain, but if he does retire, he has the personality to be a good coach or manager. His passion for hockey and his wealth of experiences make him a valuable asset to any team.


In conclusion, Derick Brassard is a true inspiration on and off the ice. His perseverance through personal struggles, unwavering dedication to the game, and commitment to giving back to his community make him a well-deserving candidate for the Masterton Trophy. Whether or not he takes home the award, Brassard’s impact will continue to leave a lasting impression on those around him. We applaud his efforts and wish him all the best in his future endeavors.