A surprising and under-the-radar name has emerged as a potential option for the New York Rangers lineup next season, and it’s a player who has already experienced a whirlwind of change in his young professional career. Brendan Brisson, a former first-round pick of the Vegas Golden Knights, has officially become a part of the Rangers organization and has made it clear that he is determined to earn a spot on the main roster.1 While his path to New York has been anything but linear, his offensive instincts and pedigree as a highly-touted prospect make him a genuinely intriguing dark horse candidate to crack the NHL lineup come opening night.
Brendan Brisson was originally drafted 29th overall by the Golden Knights in the 2020 NHL Entry Draft.2 A standout at the University of Michigan, he was a prolific scorer and playmaker in college, known for his high hockey IQ and ability to create offense.3 His time in the Vegas organization saw him spend the majority of his development years in the AHL with the Henderson Silver Knights, where he showcased flashes of the offensive talent that made him a first-round pick.4 However, his journey took a significant turn at the most recent trade deadline, when he was acquired by the Rangers from the Golden Knights in a deal that sent veteran forward Reilly Smith to Vegas.5
The trade was a massive change for Brisson, who had spent his entire professional career up to that point with the same organization that drafted him.6 The move presented both a challenge and an opportunity. He was joining a new system and a new city mid-season, a situation that could be difficult for any player. However, it also gave him a fresh start and a new chance to prove himself in a different environment. After the trade, he was assigned to the Hartford Wolf Pack, the Rangers’ AHL affiliate, where he finished out the season.7 This time in Hartford was crucial, allowing him to acclimate to the Rangers’ organizational structure and build chemistry with potential future teammates.
Speaking to the Hartford Wolf Pack’s official website recently, Brisson was candid about his experience and his goals for the upcoming season.8 He acknowledged that the past year had its ups and downs, but he expressed a renewed sense of confidence and a clear focus on the future. “I want to make the team (Rangers) out of camp,” Brisson stated. “I know I can do it, I’ve made an NHL roster before out of camp in Vegas, so just make it to camp and stick.” His determination is palpable and speaks to a player who is eager to put a tough year behind him and capitalize on the new opportunity in front of him.
Brisson’s case for making the Rangers roster is a compelling one, especially as a “lowkey option.” The team has a number of established forwards, but there are always open spots on the third and fourth lines, particularly as the coaching staff looks for players who can provide offensive spark and versatility. Brisson’s ability to play both center and wing is a huge asset. This versatility could allow him to fit into a variety of roles, giving head coach Peter Laviolette more options to tinker with his lines throughout the season. He is not a one-dimensional player; he can be used in different situations, and his offensive creativity could be a valuable addition to a team that sometimes struggles with secondary scoring.
The Rangers’ third and fourth lines will likely be a battleground during training camp, with several players vying for a limited number of spots. Veterans like Jonny Brodzinski and Sam Carrick, along with younger players such as Matt Rempe and Adam Edstrom, will all be competing. Brisson, with his first-round pedigree and offensive upside, brings a different element to this competition. While some of the other players are known for their physical play and defensive reliability, Brisson’s strength lies in his ability to produce points. His performance at the University of Michigan, where he was a top player, and his strong start in the AHL are indicators of his potential.9
The Rangers’ acquisition of Brisson for Reilly Smith was a clear signal of the team’s long-term thinking. While they gave up a reliable veteran, they gained a young player with a high ceiling and team control. By signing him to a new one-year, two-way contract, the Rangers have shown their commitment to giving him a real shot to prove himself. The two-way nature of the deal means he can still be assigned to the AHL without clearing waivers, providing a safety net, but it also indicates that the team is willing to let him compete for a spot in the NHL.10
Ultimately, Brisson’s success in earning a roster spot will come down to a few key factors. He has acknowledged the areas he needs to work on, specifically his conditioning and getting back to the offensive form he is known for. A strong training camp, where he can showcase his offensive skills and prove he has addressed the “kinks” in his game, will be essential. If he can demonstrate that his confidence is back and that he is ready to compete at the NHL level, he could very well be one of the most pleasant surprises for the New York Rangers this season. He may not be the most obvious choice, but for a team looking for a low-cost, high-reward option to add depth and scoring to their lineup, Brendan Brisson is a name worth watching very closely. His journey has been one of adversity and change, but it has also led him to a perfect opportunity to establish himself in the NHL with the New York Rangers.
