Vegas Golden Knights’ Unique Draft Strategy and Brendan Brisson’s Potential Impact
Since joining the NHL, the Vegas Golden Knights have departed from conventional draft retention practices. General Manager Kelly McCrimmon’s approach prioritizes acquiring established talent to extend the team’s competitive window, often at the expense of future draft picks. Despite its controversial nature in the NHL, this strategy yielded swift success, culminating in the team winning the Stanley Cup faster than most in league history.
Amidst this approach, Brendan Brisson stands out as one of the few draft picks retained by the Golden Knights. Selected 29th overall in the 2020 NHL Entry Draft, he remains the sole first-round pick retained by the team. Now 22 years old, Brisson enters the final year of his entry-level contract with minimal NHL experience, having played just 15 games in his career. However, indications suggest that he could secure a regular spot in the NHL lineup next season.
Golden Knights Face Crucial Free Agency Period Amid Roster Uncertainty
As the Golden Knights approach the upcoming free agency period, they find themselves at a pivotal juncture. With nine pending unrestricted free agents (UFAs), including notable names like Anthony Mantha, Chandler Stephenson, and Jonathan Marchessault, significant roster changes are anticipated ahead of the 2024-25 season.
Given the Golden Knights’ constrained cap space, maximizing contributions from players with more modest contracts becomes crucial, if not imperative. Pavel Dorofeyev stands out as a recent success story for the franchise, demonstrating the value of such players. Given Brendan Brisson’s promising performance as one of the top contributors for the Henderson Silver Knights, it would be prudent for the Golden Knights to afford him a similar opportunity next season.
Brisson’s Performance in the 2023-24 Season
Amidst the Golden Knights’ injury-riddled roster, Brisson’s NHL appearances were sporadic throughout the 2023-24 regular season. Nonetheless, he seized the opportunities presented to him, tallying two goals and eight points while also earning power play time.
In the American Hockey League (AHL), Brisson notched 19 goals and 38 points across 52 games, a marginal increase from his output in the previous season. Despite not experiencing the typical offensive surge expected from second-year players, he consistently ranked among the top scorers on the Silver Knights, despite the team’s overall lackluster performance. This consistent contribution underscores his value to the team.
Brisson’s Playing Style and Areas for Improvement
Brisson’s standout attribute lies in his shot, characterized by its quick release and versatility across various areas in the offensive zone. He often positions himself in the faceoff circle, primed for one-timer opportunities. While he may not initiate plays as frequently as desired, he has demonstrated effectiveness in a complementary role, particularly when paired with stronger teammates during his brief NHL tenure.
To solidify his position as a regular NHL player, Brisson must enhance his overall game. Given the presence of high-caliber scoring talent throughout the Golden Knights’ roster, immediate entry into the top-six forward group may be challenging. Relying solely on scoring prowess limits his potential impact. By diversifying his skill set and finding ways to contribute beyond scoring goals, Brisson can increase his chances of securing a more prominent role in the lineup next season.
Final Thoughts on Brisson: Potential Impact and Future with the Golden Knights
Amidst the Golden Knights’ tendency to prioritize immediate success over prospect development, Brendan Brisson emerges as a notable exception. The organization’s continued investment in him suggests a belief in his potential to enhance their roster in the long term, potentially culminating in a significant role this upcoming season.
Player development is often unpredictable, and rushing prospects into the NHL may not always be the best course of action, despite expectations fueled by their draft status. While Brisson’s NHL experience remains limited, his undeniable skill set hints at his potential to thrive at the highest level.
As the Golden Knights’ premier prospect, Brisson’s future with the team remains uncertain. While a trade to bolster the lineup is a possibility, such a move would leave the prospect pool notably depleted. Looking ahead, Brisson could serve as a pivotal figure alongside Pavel Dorofeyev, ushering in a younger wave of contributors for the Golden Knights, signaling a shift towards prioritizing future success.