Brassard Trade On-Hold; Initially Rejected by NHL

The Pittsburgh Penguins acquisition of Ottawa Senators center Derick Brassard has hit a snag. The NHL rejected the initial deal which included Brassard being passed through the Vegas Golden Knights, in order for both the Senators and Golden Knights to absorb a portion of Brassard’s salary.

The deal, as reported by TSN, was Brassard to Pittsburgh in exchange for a first-round pick, defenseman Ian Cole, and goalie prospect Filip Gustavsson.

Later, it was learned VGK would accept some of Brassard’s salary in exchange for a yet unnamed asset. Boston hockey reporter Jimmy Murphy has reported that asset will be Ryan Reaves.

Source telling me that F #RyanReaves will head to Vegas as part of #DerekBrassard deal if and when #VegasBorn #Pens & #Sens iron it out.

— Jimmy Murphy (@MurphysLaw74) February 23, 2018

There are conflicting reports from national outlets, ranging from “confident it will get done” to “getting more complex.” Pittsburgh Hockey Now will remain on top of the story as well as recaps about tonight’s Penguins game in Carolina.