Brassard was a great No.2 centre during his time in New York but has struggled since—averaging 16 goals and 20 assists in the last three seasons. He isn’t suited for a checking role, so signing with the Islanders could provide him a chance to return to a top-6 role.
Ullmark appeared in 37 games during his first full year with the Sabres, going 15-14-5 with a 3.11 GAA and .905 SV%. Ullmark will likely play a similar number of games in 2020 as he heads into the season as Carter Hutton’s backup.
Hawryluk was selected No.32 overall in 2014 and finally cracked the NHL roster in 2019. The 23-year-old right winger had 12 points (7G / 5A) in 42 games with the Panthers, while averaging just 9:26 TOI/gm. With Brett Connolly and Noel Acciari singing this summer and Owen Tippett knocking on the door to make the team in training camp, Hawryluk could start the year in the AHL again.
Del Zotto bounced from Vancouver to Anaheim to St. Louis, where he eventually won a Stanley Cup but signs back with Anaheim, where he had three assists in 12 games. Overall, Del Zotto had 10 points (1G / 9A) in 42 games a season ago, but should have a chance to play more regularly in 2020.
Zetterlund, 19, was a third-round pick (No.63 overall) of the Devils in 2017 and had four points (2G / 2A) in 16 games with Farjestads BK Karlstad of the Swedish Elite League this season. Zetterlund has represented Sweden twice at the World Juniors, where he had two goals in 12 games overall.
Alsing, 23, was an undrafted free agent, who had four goals and 11 assists (15 points) in 49 games with Djurgardens IF of the Swedish Elite League.
Brassard missed the final three games of the first round with an illness but is expected to replace Gabriel Bourque for Game 1 against the Sharks. Brassard did not record a point in two games in round one and had just four goals in 20 games after being acquired by the Avalanche.
Eller left Tuesday’s practice early but is expected to play in Game 1 vs. the Hurricanes. The 29-year-old had seven goals and 11 assists (18 points) in 24 games during the Capitals Stanley Cup run last year.
