Top centre would welcome a trade!

The Ottawa Senators are exploring almost every trade option possible, even the ones that evolve the second best scorer on the team, centre Derick Brassard. 

Several National Hockey League teams are looking for help down the middle ahead of the 2018 postseason, including the Anaheim Ducks, Vancouver Canucks, Pittsburgh Penguins, Columbus Blue Jackets and Boston Bruins. 

Now, George Richards of the Columbus Dispatch reports Senators that Brassard isn’t opposed to the notion of perhaps returning to the Blue Jackets one day. 

Brassard, who is signed through 2018-19 with a $5-million annual cap hit and a modified no-trade clause, has basically admitted he would welcome a trade, which it's only part of business in the NHL.

“Let’s say it this way: I will play hockey anywhere,” said Brassard following the Sens practice yesterday, stressing that his job is playing hockey in Ottawa, but he added he wouldn’t refuse to go anywhere.

With that attitude in mind, Brassard may end up giving a boost at centre for another club after the Feb. 26 trade deadline and the Sens might be able to get an interesting prospect or pick in return, and maybe even a bidding war to land the veteran centre. 

Who knows, but while some teams might have been hurt to hear their player say what Brassard mentioned in his comments, the Sens might be very pleased to see he is willing to play the game.