Brendan Brisson’s life changed when he was traded from the Vegas Golden Knights to the New York Rangers in a deal that included Reilly Smith.
Everyone thinks of this deal from Smith’s point of view, returning to the same team he won a Stanley Cup with just a couple of years ago, but Brisson was a hidden gem in the trade.
The Golden Knights selected Brisson in the first round of the 2020 NHL Draft and over the past couple of seasons, he spent most of his time with the Henderson Silver Knights of the American Hockey League.
The 23-year-old forward admitted that it was a strange transition after the trade.
“It was a little different,” Brisson said about the trade. “Just having been with the same organization for the last five years since I got drafted, midseason too, not like it was in the summer when you get a chance to adjust into camp, it was different.”
Once the initial shock set in, Brisson adapted to his new environment with the Hartford Wolf Pack.
In 16 games, Brisson recorded two goals, four assists, and six points.
“It was great when I got here,” Brisson said. “The whole organization, the staff, the coaches, the players, they welcomed me with open arms and really allowed me to try to get my confidence back. It was a tough year for me, and they were great in that way.”
During the offseason, Brisson signed a one-year contract extension with the Rangers.
His primary goal now is to make a strong impression at training camp and put his best foot forward to make the Rangers’ opening-night roster.
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“Same as everyone, I want to make the team (Rangers) out of camp,” Brisson said of his goals. “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. I know what’s going to keep me in the league.
“I learned a lot from last year, and I want to use everything I learned over the summer and into camp. If I do that, I think I’ll be good.”