Brendan Brisson’s Career Turning Point
Brendan Brisson experienced a significant turning point in his career when he was traded to the New York Rangers from the Vegas Golden Knights, in a deal that saw Reilly Smith return to his former team. While Smith’s perspective on the trade has garnered much attention due to his past Stanley Cup victory with the Golden Knights, Brisson’s potential as a valuable asset is often overlooked.
Adjusting to Change
Drafted in the first round of the 2020 NHL Draft by Vegas, Brisson had spent a considerable amount of time with the Henderson Silver Knights in the AHL before this unexpected change of scenery. At just 23 years old, he reflected on the challenges of adjusting to this new chapter in his life.
“It was a little different,”
Brisson recalled, noting the difficulty of transitioning midseason after being with one organization for five years. This shift felt particularly jarring compared to the typical offseason trades that allow players time to acclimatize before training camps begin.
Finding Support
After overcoming the initial surprise, Brisson found a welcoming environment with the Hartford Wolf Pack, where he recorded a solid performance in 16 outings, achieving two goals and four assists.
“It was great when I got here,”
Brisson expressed, appreciating the support he received from the entire organization, including staff and teammates, which helped him regain his confidence after what he described as a challenging year.
Looking Ahead
As the offseason progressed, Brisson secured a one-year contract extension with the Rangers, solidifying his commitment to the team. His sights are set on making a lasting impact at training camp, aiming for a position on the Rangers’ roster for the season opener.
“Just like everyone else, I really want to make the team out of camp,”
he affirmed, drawing from his past experience of successfully making an NHL roster in Vegas. Brisson is eager to apply lessons learned from the previous year and is optimistic about his prospects for the upcoming season. He believes that with a strong showing at camp, he will be well-positioned to succeed.
