Donald Brashear Requests a Trade

Andrew Gross is reporting over at The Record that Rangers enforcer Donald Brahsear has requested to be traded from New York. This is nothing new to the Blueshirts as they went through the same situation with Ales Kotalik just a few weeks back. This would also explain why head coach John Tortella has not played Brashear at all of late.

According to Gross' article , Brashear feels the Rangers no longer believe in him, and realizes why he has been sidelined for so long. Brashear says he spoke to Tortorella over the summer, and Torts told him he would use the veteran in different situations. Well, that has not been the case so far in his tenure with New York.

Brashear is 38 years of age and has recorded just one assist in 36 games this season. GM Glen Sather signed Brashear to a two-year/2.8 million dollar contract this past summer, and it will not be an easy one to unload given his age and abilities.

This from Gross

"Donald Brashear was a healthy scratch for the sixth-straight game Wednesday and the 11th time in the last 12 games. The underused enforcer believes the inactivity is due to his requesting a trade.

"It just shows me they don’t believe in me," Brashear told The Record. "I ask for a trade, that’s more likely why I’m not playing any games. Usually, when you ask for a trade, they don’t play you."

Brashear, 38, who serves as his own agent, signed a two-year deal worth $2.8 million after spending the past three seasons with the Capitals. Brashear, who has played in 36 games this season with one assist and 73 penalty minutes, is on pace for his fewest games since dressing for 20 with the Canadiens in 1994-95, when he split the season between Montreal and Fredericton (AHL).

"When I talked to [coach John Tortorella] this summer, he was telling me he was going to play me in different situations," Brashear said. "I came here in shape ready to play. I thought I had a good camp. You think, why sign me for two years if you’re not game to use me?"

The Rangers courted Brashear after former enforcer Colton Orr signed a four-year, $4 million deal with the Maple Leafs.

"At the same time, I don’t really understand what they expect," said Brashear, who injured his hand early in the season and recently had a hamstring issue. "Do they want a showman like they had in Orr or do they want a guy that can play and fight?"

Brashear said he was upset at first over not playing but his anger has given way to a grudging acceptance of his situation. Trading his salary will be a difficult chore, especially since, as an over-35 player, it will count against the salary cap even if he’s waived."

If you recall, a week ago on the site I said Donald Brashear needs to be removed from this team. Well Mr. Sather, here is your opportunity. Also, hats off to Gross for getting to the bottom of this story.

My article can also be found on Blueshirt Banter .