Brassard was selected in the 2006 NHL Entry Draft by the Columbus Blue Jackets with the 6th overall pick. Considered one of the better skaters in the 2006 Entry Draft by both NHL Central Scouting and the International Scouting Service, Brassard is said to be a "great playmaker that can score as well". In his frist month with the crunch, he was named rookie of the month. While a broken jaw sidelined him for 2 months, he continued to tear up the AHL.

 

He was recalled to Columbus January 10, 2008.