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Brassard shows optimism for first full season with Rangers

derickbrassardgetty

While Brad Richards sputtered and Rick Nash struggled in the 2013 playoffs, Derick Brassard carried over his post-trade momentum with 12 points in 12 postseason games. Overall, he made a fantastic first impression on the New York Rangers.

Still, he admitted to Blueshirts United on Friday that his departure from the Columbus Blue Jackets was a bit overwhelming, although the condensed schedule allowed him to avoid too many distractions.

“I was in one point in my career - I’m 25 years old now - that I needed a change and I felt like in New York, I needed to prove myself,” Brassard said. “One thing I noticed is that I was not thinking too much on the ice, I was just playing. And that’s my game.”

The skilled forward hopes to play big minutes and be a “huge part” of the team in 2013-14. It’s not surprising that he gave the Alain Vigneault hire a thumbs up, then.

“I think all the guys are pretty excited about it,” Brassard said.

Brassard reflects on the trade - including needing to use Jeff Halpern’s gloves last season - and anticipates the 2013-14 season in the video below.