Brendan Brisson

Lore & Background

Brisson played youth hockey for the Los Angeles Jr. Kings and prep hockey at Shattuck-Saint Mary's in Faribault, Minnesota. In his senior year (2018–19), he recorded 101 points in 55 games, leading the team in points and goals. He then played six games for the Green Bay Gamblers of the USHL during that season. The following 2019–20 USHL season, Brisson recorded 24 goals and 35 assists in 45 games for the Chicago Steel, ranking second in the league in scoring with 59 points. He was named to the first team All-USHL and USHL All-Rookie Team and named USHL Rookie of the Year.

Brisson began his collegiate career at the University of Michigan during the 2020–21 NCAA season, recording ten goals and 11 assists in 24 games. In his sophomore season (2021–22), he ranked third on the team in scoring with 35 points on 18 goals and 17 assists, averaging 1.03 points per game. He ranked second in the nation in game-winning goals with six and scored the first goal in a game seven times. He was named to the All-Big Ten Second Team.

On April 12, 2022, Brisson signed an amateur tryout contract with the Golden Knights' AHL affiliate, the Henderson Silver Knights, for the remainder of the 2021–22 season, recording three goals and five assists in six AHL games. On April 30, he signed a three-year, entry-level contract with Vegas. After recording ten goals and 13 assists in 37 games with the Silver Knights, the Golden Knights recalled Brisson on January 14, 2024. He made his NHL debut the next day against the Nashville Predators. On January 20, Brisson scored his first career goal against the Pittsburgh Penguins, which was the game-winning goal of a Vegas third-period comeback. On March 6, 2025, Brisson was traded by the Golden Knights to the New York Rangers, alongside a third-round draft pick, in exchange for Reilly Smith.

Reader's Guide

Brendan Brisson's significance stems from being a first-round draft pick (29th overall) of the Vegas Golden Knights in 2020, selected as a promising center with a strong scoring background. His junior career included USHL Rookie of the Year honors and a second-place league scoring finish with the Chicago Steel. At the University of Michigan, he was an All-Big Ten Second Team selection and ranked among the nation's leaders in game-winning goals. Brisson made his NHL debut with Vegas in January 2024 and scored his first career goal as a game-winner in a third-period comeback against the Pittsburgh Penguins. He also represented the United States internationally, winning a gold medal at the 2021 World Junior Ice Hockey Championships and being named to Team USA's roster for the 2022 Winter Olympics. His professional trajectory includes a trade to the New York Rangers organization in March 2025, where he became a prospect for the Rangers and later played for their AHL affiliate, the Hartford Wolf Pack. As of his most recent status, Brisson is an unrestricted free agent. His legacy is tied to his development through the Golden Knights system and his early NHL contributions, though his long-term impact remains to be determined.

Did You Know?

• Brisson is the son of NHL agent Pat Brisson.
• He was named USHL Rookie of the Year for the 2019–20 season with the Chicago Steel.
• Brisson won a gold medal with Team USA at the 2021 World Junior Ice Hockey Championships.