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Jonny Brodzinski had six goals and 13 assists with the New York Rangers last season (Jess Starr/The Hockey Writers)

Rangers’ Brodzinski Exceeding Expectations

Originally posted on The Hockey Writers | By Brian Abate | Last updated Apr 2, 2025 8:25 AM ET

Many of the New York Rangers’ top players have not played up to expectations, but there have been a few players who have exceeded expectations, and Jonny Brodzinski has been one of them. Though he was a healthy scratch earlier in the season, he has become one of their best bottom-six forwards and has earned his spot in the lineup.

Brodzinski’s Play in Past Seasons

The Los Angeles Kings drafted Brodzinski in the fifth round in 2013, and he had three consecutive 20-goal seasons while playing college hockey for St. Cloud State. His speed and consistent offensive production (102 points in 110 games) earned him an entry-level contract.

Brodzinski had 15 goals and 13 assists in 65 games with the Ontario Reign of the American Hockey League (AHL) in 2015-16. He had 27 goals and 22 assists in 59 games with them in 2016-17 and made his NHL debut, finishing with two assists in six games for the Kings.

During Brodzinski’s first four NHL seasons, he spent time with the Kings and San Jose Sharks and had six goals and six assists in 57 games. Though he produced well offensively in the AHL, he struggled to score in a bottom-six role in the NHL and did not play with much physicality.

The Rangers signed Brodzinski ahead of the 2020-21 season, and he spent part of the next three seasons with the Blueshirts but spent most of his time in the AHL with the Hartford Wolf Pack. He combined for just three goals and two assists in 44 games in his first three seasons with New York but had 104 points in 97 AHL games during that time.

While Brodzinski struggled to score in the NHL, he did add much-needed speed to the Rangers’ lineup and had a shoot-first mentality, unlike many of the team’s top scorers who are playmakers with pass-first mentalities. He broke through last season and helped the team in a bottom-six role as his speed helped them get in on the forecheck and he created scoring opportunities for his linemates. He finished with six goals and 13 assists in 57 games and also played in three postseason games but was held without a point. His strong play earned him a one-way, two-season, $1.575 million extension.

Brodzinski’s Play This Season

Despite signing a one-way contract, Brodzinski struggled to get ice time earlier this season, frequently playing less than 10 minutes in games. He was also a healthy scratch in many of the Rangers’ games in December and January. Sam Carrick, Adam Edstrom, and Matt Rempe played very well together on the fourth line, which made it difficult for Brodzinski to get into the lineup.

Edstrom has been out since Feb. 1 with a lower-body injury, which created an opportunity the 31-year-old has taken advantage of to have the best season of his career. With the Rangers and rival New York Islanders tied 1-1 in the second period of their matchup on Feb. 25, he scored two consecutive goals and added an assist in the third period in a 5-1 victory.

Brodzinski capitalizes on his opportunities and has come up with clutch goals for the Rangers this season, including when he scored a quick wrist shot to give them a 2-1 lead in the third period of a 3-2 overtime victory against the Minnesota Wild on March 13. He also scored two goals, including the game-winner on another nice wrist shot, late in the third period of a 5-3 win over the Vancouver Canucks on March 22.

HOMETOWN JONNY ON THE SPOT. pic.twitter.com/jozP8bqmdg
— New York Rangers (@NYRangers) March 14, 2025

Brodzinski has used his speed effectively, and his strong, accurate wrist shot that helped him dominate in the AHL is now helping him produce in the NHL. He is responsible defensively and makes smart plays with the puck. He has 10 goals, seven assists, and is plus-9 in 43 games.

Rangers Need Brodzinski to Continue Strong Play Down the Stretch

Despite poor defensive play and a few extended losing streaks, the Rangers are still in the mix for a playoff spot, and they will need Brodzinski to continue playing well down the stretch. He is signed through next season, and the hope is that he can continue to provide secondary scoring and reliable play.