The mumps kept on mumping Wednesday, claiming yet another victim -- this time, New York Rangers center Derick Brassard:
Brassard has been out of the lineup since Saturday’s 5-1 win over the Canucks in Vancouver, missing Sunday’s victory in Edmonton and last night’s win in Calgary. He took a noticeable dip in ice time against the Canucks -- after playing 19:51, 21:30 and 21:24 in the three games prior, Brassard only got 16:47 in Vancouver -- and was sent back home to New York.
Rangers have confirmed the suspected: Derick Brassard has tested positive for the mumps virus.
— Larry Brooks (@NYP_Brooksie) December 17, 2014
Brassard has been out of the lineup since Saturday’s 5-1 win over the Canucks in Vancouver, missing Sunday’s victory in Edmonton and last night’s win in Calgary. He took a noticeable dip in ice time against the Canucks -- after playing 19:51, 21:30 and 21:24 in the three games prior, Brassard only got 16:47 in Vancouver -- and was sent back home to New York.
Missing time right now has to be difficult for Brassard. The 27-year-old center is in the midst of a great campaign, with 24 points through 27 games, well on his way to eclipsing his career-high 47 points.
With the confirmed diagnosis, Brassard becomes the 16th NHLer with a documented case of the mumps.