Jonny Brodzinski Bio
Jonathan Brodzinski, commonly known as Jonny Brodzinski, is an American professional ice hockey player who plays as a forward for the New York Rangers of the National Hockey League (NHL). Standing 6 feet 1 inch tall and weighing 215 pounds, Brodzinski shoots right and is known for his steady two-way game. He was selected by the Los Angeles Kings in the fifth round, 148th overall, of the 2013 NHL Entry Draft and has continued to compete at the professional level since turning pro in 2015.
Early Life and Background
Jonathan Brodzinski was born on June 19, 1993, in Blaine, Minnesota, United States. Growing up in the hockey-rich state of Minnesota, Brodzinski developed his game in a community where youth ice hockey is deeply embedded in the culture. He attended Blaine High School, where he played alongside future NHL center Nick Bjugstad, an experience that helped him sharpen his offensive instincts against high-level competition.
After high school, Brodzinski spent two seasons developing in the United States Hockey League (USHL) with the Fargo Force, one of the top junior circuits in North America. The Fargo Force provided him with the structure and competition needed to prepare for college hockey. He then transitioned to St. Cloud State University, where he would emerge as one of the most dangerous scorers in the National Collegiate Hockey Conference.
Path to Hockey
Brodzinski’s college path began at St. Cloud State University, where he skated three seasons with the Huskies and quickly became an offensive leader. As a freshman, he led all NCAA freshmen with 22 goals, signaling that he could produce at the highest amateur level. His scoring touch and hockey sense made him a reliable presence in the Huskies’ top-six forward group.
During his junior season in 2014–15, Brodzinski was named to the National Collegiate Hockey Conference (NCHC) All-Conference First Team, a recognition of his consistency and impact. He concluded his collegiate career with 64 goals and 48 assists for 112 points in 120 games played, totals that reflected both his goal-scoring ability and his playmaking. His strong finish at St. Cloud State helped convince the Los Angeles Kings that he was ready to turn professional.
Jonny Brodzinski Career
Early Career (2015–2017)
On April 1, 2015, the Los Angeles Kings signed Brodzinski to a two-year entry-level contract, formally beginning his professional career. He was immediately assigned to the Kings’ American Hockey League (AHL) affiliate, the Ontario Reign, where he continued to refine his game. His work in Ontario helped him establish himself as a dependable two-way forward.
On January 5, 2017, Brodzinski and teammate Vincent LoVerde were selected to compete in the 2017 AHL All-Star Game, an honor that reflected his strong development at the minor-league level. Shortly after, Brodzinski was called up by the Kings on March 23, 2017, and made his NHL debut on March 25 against the New York Rangers. When he debuted, he became the first Los Angeles Kings player to wear jersey number 76 and the first member of the Kings’ 2013 draft class to appear in a game for the franchise.
NHL Breakthrough (2017–2019)
Brodzinski was recalled to the NHL again on November 16, 2017, and just two days later he scored his first NHL goal on November 18, in a 4–0 win against the Florida Panthers. That milestone cemented his first NHL marker and gave him confidence at the top level. Over the following weeks he experienced the rhythm of frequent call-ups and reassignments, as the Kings moved him between Los Angeles and Ontario.
He was reassigned to the AHL on January 7, 2018, recalled on January 14 after three games in the minors, demoted again on January 25, and then brought back on January 29 along with three other teammates. Despite the shuttling, the experience helped him adjust to the pace and demands of NHL hockey. His Kings tenure ended after the 2018–19 season, when he reached free agency.
San Jose Sharks Era (2019–2020)
As a free agent from the Kings, Brodzinski signed a one-year, two-way contract with the San Jose Sharks on July 2, 2019. He earned a spot on the Sharks’ opening night roster for the 2019–20 season and appeared in three games before being placed on waivers on October 11. After clearing waivers, he was assigned to the Sharks’ AHL affiliate, the San Jose Barracuda.
With the Barracuda, Brodzinski produced 14 goals and 16 assists for 30 points in 44 games, a strong offensive output that showcased his playmaking and finishing. His season was cut short when the campaign was cancelled due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The West Coast stint gave him valuable NHL and AHL experience before his next move.
New York Rangers Era (2020–Present)
On October 9, 2020, Brodzinski left the West Coast as a free agent and signed a one-year, two-way contract with the New York Rangers. He split time between the Rangers and their AHL affiliate, the Hartford Wolf Pack, providing organizational depth and veteran leadership. On February 28, 2022, he signed a two-year contract extension with the Rangers, signaling the club’s long-term confidence in his role.
He has continued to contribute both at the NHL level with the Rangers and in the AHL with Hartford. On February 21, 2024, the Rangers signed Brodzinski to a two-year contract extension, further securing his place within the organization. His steady presence and versatility have made him a valued member of the Rangers’ forward group.
Driving Style and Strengths
Though a forward rather than a driver, Brodzinski is recognized for his responsible two-way play, reliable defensive-zone coverage, and willingness to compete along the boards. He reads the game well, makes smart decisions with the puck, and has shown the ability to play up and down the lineup. His right-handed shot and physical frame allow him to win battles and contribute on the penalty kill as well as at even strength.
Notable Events and Milestones
Brodzinski’s most memorable milestones include being the first Kings player to wear number 76, scoring his first NHL goal against the Florida Panthers on November 18, 2017, and being selected to the 2017 AHL All-Star Game. He has also signed multiple contract extensions with the Rangers, including deals in 2022 and 2024, highlighting his durability and long professional career.
Jonny Brodzinski Career Wins
Across his professional career in the NHL and AHL, Brodzinski has been a steady contributor rather than a high-volume goal scorer. His journey includes a first NHL goal with the Kings, a productive AHL stint with the San Jose Barracuda, and a long-term role with the New York Rangers organization.
NHL Highlights
Brodzinski’s NHL resume includes his debut with the Los Angeles Kings in March 2017 and his first NHL goal against the Florida Panthers on November 18, 2017. With the New York Rangers, he has appeared in multiple NHL games while also spending time with the Hartford Wolf Pack in the AHL. His most recent contract extension came on February 21, 2024.
Other Wins & Performances
In the AHL, Brodzinski posted 14 goals and 16 assists for 30 points in 44 games with the San Jose Barracuda during the shortened 2019–20 season. He was also named an AHL All-Star in 2017 with the Ontario Reign. He also competed in the off-season in the Da Beauty League, a popular Minnesota-based summer hockey competition.
Jonny Brodzinski Family
Family Background and Racing Lineage
Brodzinski comes from a strong hockey family with multiple brothers who have pursued the sport at high levels. His younger brother, Michael Brodzinski, was selected just seven picks before him in the 2013 NHL Draft by the San Jose Sharks, making them one of the rare sets of brothers drafted in the same round of the same year. The two competed against each other multiple times during college, as Michael played for the University of Minnesota.
Jonny also has two more younger brothers, Easton and Bryce. Easton plays for the Allen Americans of the ECHL after playing college hockey at St. Cloud State University. Bryce, who was a seventh-round draft pick by the Philadelphia Flyers in 2019, plays for the Ontario Reign of the AHL after playing college hockey at the University of Minnesota, and was also named 2019 Mr. Hockey for Minnesota High School Hockey.
Personal Life
Brodzinski has spent much of his professional career between the AHL and NHL levels, with stints in California, the Bay Area, and now the New York metro area. He plays in The Da Beauty League during the off-season, a Minnesota-based summer hockey tradition. He is an American by nationality and was raised in Blaine, Minnesota.
2025 Season Performance
Entering the 2025 calendar year, Brodzinski remains under contract with the New York Rangers following his two-year extension signed on February 21, 2024. He is expected to continue splitting time between the Rangers and their AHL affiliate, the Hartford Wolf Pack, providing forward depth and veteran presence. His role within the organization emphasizes responsibility, leadership, and readiness whenever called upon.
Throughout the season, Brodzinski’s focus is on maintaining his two-way game and contributing in defensive-zone situations. With the Rangers valuing his reliability, he has remained a trusted option for the coaching staff in specific matchup scenarios. His experience from the Kings, Sharks, and Rangers systems gives him a broad understanding of how to adjust to varying line combinations.
Looking ahead, Brodzinski’s outlook is built around continued service to the Rangers organization and steady professional play. As long as his contract remains in effect, he is positioned to remain part of the Rangers’ forward pipeline, contributing at both the NHL and AHL levels while mentoring younger players within the system.
