What It Means:

Brassard was sent home prior to the morning skate because of an illness, and Rangers' coach Alain Vigneault doesn't expect him to play. Considering it's an illness and not an injury, Brassard shouldn't be expected to miss extended time.

Brassard has 31 points (15 goals, 16 assists) in 45 games played this season. He's second on the Rangers in goals and third in total points, so his absence will be felt. Brassard is not driving possession when on the ice; his Corsi For Percentage is just 48.9, although his Relative Corsi For at Even Strength of 2.3 is above his career average of 1.5. We project him to tally another 29 points (12 goals, 17 assists) over the remaining course of the season.