BRASSARD MIGHT BE A NO-GO FOR PENS

PITTSBURGH — An old friend of the Senators might not be a foe Friday night at the PPG Paints Arena.

Centre Derick Brassard, who has been the object of a lot of trade speculation here in Pittsburgh, missed Wednesday’s 4-2 victory over the Tampa Bay Lightning at home and may not suit up against the Senators.

“I feel better. It’s something I’ve been (dealing with) for about a week or so. I had a full practice and we’ll see how I feel (Friday),” Brassard told reporters Friday at the club’s practice facility in Cranberry Township. “Today was a positive day. I’m going to see how I feel tomorrow morning.”

Brassard, a unrestricted free agent July 1, was dealt to the Penguins at last year’s deadline by the Senators and the belief is he could be on the move again before the deadline Feb. 25.

“Is it stressful for players? Everyone is used to it,” Brassard said. “Everyone knows it’s coming up here, but at the end of the day we have a job to do and we have to play well for the team here. Whatever happens, happens. You can’t control anything.”