The offseason for the Vegas Golden Knights can be aptly described by Tom Petty’s phrase, “the waiting is the hardest part.” This sentiment applies to the uncertainty surrounding Mitch Marner’s arrival, or lack thereof, and the potential moves by General Manager Kelly McCrimmon to secure another top-six forward. Additionally, this period may be characterized more by the departure of original Golden Knights players than by new acquisitions. However, there’s another saying, “in the garden of patience, there are flowers of joy,” which might also describe this offseason. One area of waiting is the search for a top-six forward, while a potential “flower of joy” could be Brendan Brisson, already within the system.
Brendan Brisson’s Bid for a Top-Six Forward Role
Drafted by the Golden Knights in 2020, Brisson has demonstrated offensive consistency that many veterans envy. Here are his stats from his first two AHL seasons:
2022-23: 18 goals (third), 19 assists (sixth), 37 points (fourth) in 58 games
2023-24: 19 goals (third), 19 assists (tied for fifth), 38 points (third) in 52 games
When projected over an 82-game season, his combined total is 131 points for both seasons. While these numbers are from the AHL, they indicate a strong scoring rate, surpassing the likes of Jonathan Marchessault (126 points) and Chandler Stephenson (116 points) in the same timeframe at the NHL level.
Consistent Offensive Force Across Levels
Brisson will need to address his tendency to go through extended goalless periods with increased ice time in the NHL. He experienced five streaks of more than three games without a goal in his AHL career, but only one pointless streak of more than three games. For a team that has been middling in scoring, this inconsistency could be problematic.
A Snapshot of the Whole Season
In the 15 games he played last season, Brisson’s stats (two goals, six assists, -5) were not spectacular. However, his role was primarily as a fill-in for key players like William Karlsson and Jack Eichel, mostly playing on the third or fourth line. Considering the tough competition during that period, his performance was respectable.
During an 11-game stretch in February and March, the Golden Knights faced 11 teams with winning records, and Brisson showed his potential by scoring two goals against strong opponents. These goals showcased his ability to make quick, precise shots, hinting at his potential as a top-six forward.
“In a Garden of Patience, There Are Flowers of Joy”
Patience is not a trait typically associated with the Vegas Golden Knights, but in the case of Brendan Brisson, patience might be rewarded with a revitalized offensive attack. His emergence as a top-six forward could significantly reduce the wait for improved performance, especially if the team’s goaltending returns to its 2022-2023 form.
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