Brendan Brisson (born October 22, 2001) is an American ice hockey center who is currently under contract with Toronto Maple Leafs. He most recently played 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). He was drafted 29th overall by the Vegas Golden Knights in the 2020 NHL entry draft. Brendan is the son of NHL agent Pat Brisson.
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Early life
Brisson played youth hockey for the Los Angeles Jr. Kings and then played Prep hockey for Shattuck-Saint Mary's in Faribault, Minnesota. During his senior year 2018–19 season, he recorded 101 points in 55 games, leading the team in points and goals scored.
Playing career
Junior
During the 2018–19 season, he played six games for the Green Bay Gamblers of the United States Hockey League (USHL). During the 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. Following an outstanding season, he was named to the first team All-USHL and USHL All-Rookie Team and named USHL Rookie of the Year.
College
Brisson began his collegiate career for the University of Michigan during the 2020–21 NCAA Division I season. He recorded ten goals and 11 assists in 24 games for the Wolverines. During the 2021–22 season in his sophomore season, 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 during the season. Following an outstanding season, he was named to the All-Big Ten Second Team.
Professional
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. He recorded three goals and five assists in six AHL games for the Silver Knights. On April 30, Brisson signed a three-year, entry-level contract with the Vegas Golden Knights.
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, in what was ultimately 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.
International play
Brisson represented the United States at the 2021 World Junior Ice Hockey Championships, where he recorded two goals in seven games and won a gold medal. On January 13, 2022, Brisson was named to Team USA's roster to represent the United States at the 2022 Winter Olympics.