The quote on Memorial Day from Derick Brassard at the Rangers’ postseason breakup did not play so well in Columbus.
You know, the one where the former Blue Jackets’ center and sixth overall selection in the 2006 Entry Draft who came to New York as part of the trade deadline deal involving Marian Gaborik, said: “I just felt like in Columbus my passion and the emotion in my game was gone.”
Tuesday following practice, Brassard, who will return to Columbus on Thursday with the Blueshirts for the first time since the trade, told The Post he misspoke in May.
“That really was my ‘Fringlish,’ ” said the native of Hull, Quebec, for whom English is his second language. “I didn’t want to say that I lost my passion; I know there were people in Columbus who were upset to hear that, but that’s not how I meant it to come out.
“At the time of the trade, I just thought that I needed a change and that it was good for both me and the organization to go our separate ways,” said Brassard, who recorded 169 points (58-111) in 309 games for the Jackets, but did not develop into the elite first-line presence connoted by his draft position. “I always played hard and tried my best to contribute when I was there.
“I have nothing but good things to say about the organization, team, my teammates and the city of Columbus. I was treated very well there, and I don’t want the people there to have the wrong impression.
“I’m looking forward to going back and seeing a lot of friends I made while I was there.”
Brassard, John Moore, Derek Dorsett and Anton Stralman played previously for the Blue Jackets while Columbus’ Gaborik, Brandon Dubinsky, Artem Anisimov and Fedor Tyutin are former Rangers.
Gaborik, Dubinsky and Anisimov (the latter two who were dealt for the concussed and sidelined Rick Nash) will be facing the Rangers for the first time since being sent away.
Henrik Lundqvist and Cam Talbot are expected to split the back-to-back that commences Wednesday night when the Penguins come to the Garden. “If I were a betting man, I would say there’s a good chance that could happen,” said coach Alain Vigneault.
Dorsett did not participate in practice (“Maintenance,” according to the team) but Vigneault said the winger would be good to go against Pittsburgh.
Brad Richards leads the Rangers with 50 shots and was tied for 20th in the NHL in that category prior to Tuesday’s games. The center was tied for 10th in the league with 98 attempted shots. Alex Ovechkin leads in both categories, with 75 shots on 136 attempts.