The New York Rangers continue to shape their roster with an eye on both immediate success and future growth, and their latest move reflects a commitment to nurturing young talent with untapped potential. In a noteworthy but calculated decision, the Rangers have officially re-signed forward Brendan Brisson to a one-year contract. The announcement signals another step forward in the team’s offseason strategy following a flurry of moves during free agency. Brisson, a former first-round pick, remains a compelling piece of the team’s puzzle, and this new deal could be pivotal for both his career trajectory and the Rangers’ depth heading into the upcoming season.
Brendan Brisson, 22, has long been seen as a player with elite offensive upside. Drafted 29th overall in the first round of the 2020 NHL Draft by the Vegas Golden Knights, Brisson came to the Rangers organization following a trade that was initially met with mixed reactions. However, his performance in the American Hockey League (AHL) with the Hartford Wolf Pack has begun to shift the narrative. Last season, Brisson tallied 18 goals and 27 assists for 45 points in 66 games—a solid showing for a young forward adjusting to the professional game. More importantly, his skating, vision, and ability to read the ice have all shown noticeable development.
This one-year deal is a classic “prove-it” contract. It allows Brisson to earn a more permanent role within the NHL roster while also giving the Rangers some flexibility. If Brisson continues to progress and capitalizes on any opportunities presented to him in training camp and during the regular season, he could solidify himself as a full-time NHLer. On the flip side, if he struggles to find consistency or falls behind in the depth chart, the one-year term minimizes long-term risk for the team.
The Rangers’ decision to retain Brisson is also reflective of a broader strategy under General Manager Chris Drury. The front office has demonstrated a clear intent to balance a roster built around veteran stars like Artemi Panarin, Chris Kreider, and Mika Zibanejad with young, dynamic players who can inject energy, speed, and creativity. Brisson fits squarely within this mold. While he may not yet be NHL-ready on a nightly basis, his skill set suggests he’s not far off. His power-play acumen, particularly his quick release and one-timer, could eventually make him a valuable weapon in the Rangers’ second unit.
Moreover, the coaching staff led by Peter Laviolette has shown a willingness to give young players meaningful ice time when merited. Players like Will Cuylle and Braden Schneider have benefited from this approach, and Brisson could be next in line. Whether he starts the season in Hartford or makes the Rangers’ opening night roster, he will be under close watch by both the coaching staff and the front office.
It’s worth noting that Brisson’s hockey lineage runs deep. He is the son of Pat Brisson, one of the most powerful player agents in the NHL. This connection has given Brendan early exposure to the business side of hockey, as well as mentorship from some of the game’s elite talents. Though he’s had to deal with the weight of expectations throughout his career, he’s handled the pressure with maturity and has steadily carved his own path.
In terms of playing style, Brisson is best described as a cerebral forward with a nose for scoring opportunities. He’s not the biggest or the fastest player on the ice, but he makes up for it with his IQ and quick decision-making. His ability to find soft spots in defensive coverage, combined with a deadly accurate shot, makes him a threat in the offensive zone. With some added muscle and continued refinement in the defensive aspects of his game, Brisson could blossom into a reliable middle-six winger who contributes on both special teams and five-on-five.
The timing of this re-signing also comes at an important juncture for the Rangers. After another strong regular season that ultimately ended in playoff disappointment, the team is under pressure to finally break through and compete for a Stanley Cup. While blockbuster trades and marquee free-agent signings often grab the headlines, it’s moves like these—betting on internal development and maintaining depth—that often make the difference in a long and grueling postseason run. Having someone like Brisson in the system, hungry to make an impact, provides valuable insurance and competition for roster spots.
Fans of the Blueshirts have reacted positively to the re-signing. While Brisson may not be the most recognizable name on the roster, those who closely follow the organization’s prospects understand the importance of keeping players like him engaged and developing. In an era where cap space is at a premium, homegrown or cost-effective contributors are more important than ever. Brisson’s deal reportedly comes with a modest cap hit, which aligns perfectly with the Rangers’ current financial structure and allows them to maintain flexibility heading into the season.
Looking ahead, Brisson will likely be given a significant role during the preseason to showcase his progress. He’ll be competing with a number of other young forwards—including Brennan Othmann, Adam Sýkora, and Karl Henriksson—for a limited number of spots on the NHL roster. If Brisson can make an impression and carry momentum into the early part of the season, he could force the coaching staff’s hand. If not, continued development in Hartford is by no means a failure—it’s simply another step in the journey.
From a broader NHL perspective, Brisson represents a growing trend of highly-skilled young players who are being brought along methodically rather than rushed into the spotlight. The transition from junior or college hockey to the NHL is steep, and organizations are learning to prioritize long-term development over short-term optics. The Rangers, with their deep prospect pool and strong AHL pipeline, are well-positioned to benefit from this approach.
There’s also the intangible factor of hunger. Brisson has spent the last two seasons proving himself, waiting for that breakout moment. This new contract offers him a fresh opportunity to make his case, to show the Rangers and the rest of the league that he’s ready to take the next step. Motivation like that is hard to replicate, and it could be the driving force behind a standout training camp or mid-season call-up that changes the narrative around his NHL readiness.
In the end, this one-year deal between Brendan Brisson and the New York Rangers is a smart, low-risk move with the potential for high reward. It gives the Rangers another weapon in their arsenal—one with untapped scoring ability and room to grow—while also reinforcing the organization’s belief in developing talent the right way. Whether Brisson breaks into the lineup this season or continues to hone his craft in the AHL, he remains a valuable asset in the Rangers’ system and a name to watch closely as the 2025 campaign unfolds.
The Rangers have made their intentions clear: they want to win now but not at the expense of the future. By locking up Brendan Brisson for another year, they keep a promising player in the fold and send a message that the door remains wide open for young talent willing to put in the work. For Brisson, this is a golden opportunity. For the Rangers, it’s another calculated step in building a championship-caliber roster, one smart signing at a time.
