Brendan Brisson Bio
Brendan Brisson is an American ice hockey center who currently plays for the Hartford Wolf Pack of the American Hockey League (AHL) as a prospect for the New York Rangers of the National Hockey League (NHL). Born on October 22, 2001, in Manhattan Beach, California, Brisson was selected 29th overall by the Vegas Golden Knights in the 2020 NHL Entry Draft. He is the son of NHL agent Pat Brisson, who has represented numerous high-profile players throughout his career. Brisson has developed into a promising two-way center known for his hockey sense, playmaking ability, and goal-scoring touch. His journey from California youth hockey to the NHL exemplifies dedication and steady progression through the developmental ranks.
Early Life and Background
Brisson grew up in Manhattan Beach, California, where he began his hockey journey with the Los Angeles Jr. Kings youth program. His early development in the sport came in the Southern California hockey scene before he pursued advanced opportunities at Shattuck-Saint Mary’s in Faribault, Minnesota, one of the premier prep school hockey programs in the United States. The move proved transformative for his development as both a player and student-athlete.
During his senior season at Shattuck-Saint Mary’s from 2018 to 2019, Brisson emerged as one of the most productive forwards in the country. He recorded 101 points in 55 games, leading the team in both points and goals scored. This exceptional performance caught the attention of college programs and junior league scouts, establishing him as a highly-touted prospect for the next phase of his career.
Path to Hockey
Following his dominant prep career, Brisson entered the United States Hockey League (USHL), the top junior league in the United States. During the 2018-19 season, he appeared in six games for the Green Bay Gamblers, gaining valuable experience against older competition. The following season, Brisson joined the Chicago Steel and immediately established himself as one of the league’s elite players.
In the 2019-20 USHL season, Brisson recorded 24 goals and 35 assists in 45 games for the Chicago Steel, accumulating 59 total points to rank second in league scoring. His outstanding campaign earned him multiple honors, including First Team All-USHL, USHL All-Rookie Team recognition, and USHL Rookie of the Year award. These accolades solidified his status as a first-round NHL Draft prospect.
Brendan Brisson Career
University of Michigan (2020-2022)
Brisson committed to playing collegiate hockey for the University of Michigan Wolverines, one of the premier programs in NCAA Division I. During his freshman season in 2020-21, he made an immediate impact, recording ten goals and 11 assists in 24 games. His production demonstrated his ability to compete at the college level while continuing his development as a two-way player.
As a sophomore during the 2021-22 season, Brisson elevated his game to another level. He ranked third on the team in scoring with 35 points on 18 goals and 17 assists, averaging 1.03 points per game. Notably, he led the nation with six game-winning goals and scored the first goal in a game seven times during the season. His clutch performances earned him a spot on the All-Big Ten Second Team, further establishing his reputation as a prolific scorer who delivered in crucial moments.
Professional Breakthrough (2022-2024)
After his sophomore season at Michigan, Brisson turned professional. On April 12, 2022, he signed an amateur tryout contract with the Henderson Silver Knights, the AHL affiliate of the Vegas Golden Knights, for the remainder of the 2021-22 season. He made an immediate impression, recording three goals and five assists in just six games. His strong performance earned him a three-year, entry-level contract with the Golden Knights on April 30, 2022.
During the 2022-23 and 2023-24 seasons, Brisson continued developing with the Silver Knights. In 37 games during the 2023-24 campaign, he recorded ten goals and 13 assists. His consistent production prompted the Golden Knights to recall him to the NHL roster on January 14, 2024. He made his NHL debut the following day against the Nashville Predators. Just five days later, on January 20, 2024, Brisson scored his first career NHL goal against the Pittsburgh Penguins, which proved to be the game-winning goal in a dramatic third-period comeback victory.
New York Rangers Era (2025-Present)
On March 6, 2025, Brisson’s career trajectory shifted when the Golden Knights traded him to the New York Rangers. The trade sent Brisson and a third-round draft pick to the Rangers in exchange for veteran forward Reilly Smith. Following the transaction, Brisson joined the Hartford Wolf Pack, New York’s AHL affiliate, to continue his development while being positioned to earn future NHL opportunities with the Rangers organization.
Driving Style and Strengths
Brisson is known as a smart, versatile center with excellent hockey intelligence and playmaking abilities. He possesses a strong wrist shot and quick release that make him a consistent scoring threat from distance. His two-way game allows him to contribute in all situations, including power play units and defensive zone coverage. Brisson’s hockey lineage through his father Pat Brisson has provided him with unique insights into professional hockey operations and expectations at the highest level.
Notable Events and Milestones
Brisson’s career has been marked by several significant achievements, including his NHL debut and first goal with the Vegas Golden Knights in January 2024. His collegiate career featured a nation-leading six game-winning goals during his sophomore season at Michigan. He also represented the United States at the 2021 World Junior Ice Hockey Championships, winning a gold medal while recording two goals in seven games.
Brendan Brisson Career Wins
Brisson has accumulated notable statistics across his junior, collegiate, and professional career. His most productive season came in the USHL with the Chicago Steel, where he finished second in league scoring with 59 points. At Michigan, he recorded 35 points in his sophomore season while leading the nation in game-winning goals.
Junior and College Highlights
In the USHL, Brisson earned USHL Rookie of the Year honors and was named to the First Team All-USHL during the 2019-20 season. At the international level, he captured a gold medal with Team USA at the 2021 World Junior Championships. His collegiate career included All-Big Ten Second Team recognition and a total of 45 points in 47 games across two seasons with Michigan.
Professional Statistics
Brisson has appeared in NHL games with the Vegas Golden Knights, recording his first career goal in January 2024. In the AHL, he has accumulated 26 points in 43 games between the Henderson Silver Knights and Hartford Wolf Pack.
| League | Games | Goals | Assists | Points |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| NHL (Vegas Golden Knights) | 13 | 1 | 0 | 1 |
| AHL (Silver Knights/Wolf Pack) | 43 | 13 | 13 | 26 |
| NCAA (Michigan) | 47 | 28 | 17 | 45 |
| USHL (Chicago Steel) | 45 | 24 | 35 | 59 |
Brendan Brisson Family
Family Background and Racing Lineage
Brisson comes from a family deeply connected to professional hockey. His father, Pat Brisson, is one of the most prominent NHL agents in the industry, representing numerous star players throughout his career. This family background has provided Brendan with unique exposure to the professional hockey world from an early age, including insights into player development, contract negotiations, and the business side of the sport.
Personal Life
While Brisson maintains a private personal life, his hockey career has remained the primary focus throughout his development. He continues to work toward earning a permanent spot in the NHL while developing his game with the Hartford Wolf Pack organization.
2025 Season Performance
The 2025 season marks a new chapter for Brisson following his March 2025 trade to the New York Rangers organization. Joining the Hartford Wolf Pack as the Rangers’ top prospect at center, he enters the season with the goal of earning an NHL call-up. His recent experience with the Vegas Golden Knights, including scoring his first career NHL goal, provides him with confidence and momentum heading into this transition.
Brisson’s development trajectory suggests he has the skills to become a reliable NHL center. His two-way play, scoring touch, and hockey intelligence align well with what the Rangers look for in their prospects. The organization values his competitive nature and ability to produce offensively while maintaining responsibility in his own zone. As he continues adjusting to the Rangers’ system and philosophy, his performance with the Wolf Pack will be closely monitored by the organization’s development staff.
The outlook for Brisson remains positive as he works toward establishing himself as an NHL regular. With continued growth and consistent production in the AHL, he positions himself for increased opportunities with the Rangers in the seasons ahead.
